The ongoing discourse regarding the origins of the Afro-Dancehall genre has intensified, drawing renewed commentary from key stakeholders within the African music industry. Central to this debate is Ghanaian Dancehall artiste Stonebwoy, who has publicly asserted that he is the originator of Afro-Dancehall—a claim now supported by his former Artiste and Business Manager, Karl Kporgla Gidiglo.
In an interview granted to Graphic Showbiz on Monday, July 7, 2025, Mr. Gidiglo offered a categorical endorsement of Stonebwoy’s claim, stating that the artiste not only coined the term Afro-Dancehall but also spearheaded its development as early as 2012.
“Let’s set the record straight: the term Afro-Dancehall was coined and championed by none other than Stonebwoy,” Gidiglo stated.
“He boldly pioneered the genre, blending African rhythms with Dancehall elements at a time when such innovation was met with criticism.”
Mr. Gidiglo further noted that Stonebwoy’s stylistic fusion faced resistance from traditionalists within the music community, including criticism from Ghanaian Highlife legend Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, who referred to the sound as “diluted Dancehall.” Nonetheless, Stonebwoy remained steadfast in advancing his musical vision.
“Despite facing backlash from some quarters, Stonebwoy stayed true to his vision, helping shape a unique sound that now resonates across the continent and beyond,” Gidiglo concluded.
This endorsement lends weight to Stonebwoy’s claim to authorship of Afro-Dancehall and repositions him at the forefront of the genre’s cultural and historical narrative.
The ongoing discourse concerning the origin and development of Afro-Dancehall has resurfaced following a classification by Billboard, which recently described Ghanaian artist Moliy’s latest release, “Shake It To The Max”, as an Afro-Dancehall record. This designation reignited debate within the music community regarding the term’s origins and the rightful attribution of its creation.
In response, award-winning Ghanaian artist Stonebwoy took to social media to assert that he was the original architect of the Afro-Dancehall genre. His claim prompted commentary from veteran artist Samini, who, while refraining from claiming authorship of the term Afro-Dancehall, emphasized that the genre is a natural extension of what he had long promoted under the label African Dancehall.
However, in an interview with Graphic Showbiz, Karl Kporgla Gidiglo—former manager of Stonebwoy and current manager of Dancehall artist Wakayna—voiced his unequivocal support for Stonebwoy’s claim. Mr. Gidiglo stated:
“It is, however, unfortunate that we did not take steps to officially patent the name back in 2012 when this movement began. Nonetheless, the legacy and influence are undeniable, and Stonebwoy deserves credit for it.”
He further clarified the distinction between influence and innovation, stating that while Samini may have contributed to the shaping of Stonebwoy’s early musical development, it is Stonebwoy who has been instrumental in coining and popularising the Afro-Dancehall genre as it is known today.
This statement adds a critical layer to the narrative by asserting that Stonebwoy’s contribution was not merely artistic but seminal and strategic in formalising and branding a new musical category—one that has since gained continental and international traction.#newsafro_
