Samini claps back at Stonebwoy’s afro-dancehall origin claim
Veteran Ghanaian dancehall and reggae artist Samini has joined the growing conversation around the origins of Afro-dancehall, following Stonebwoy’s recent declaration of himself as the genre’s originator.
The debate erupted after Billboard described Moliy’s latest track, ‘Shake It To The Max,’ as an Afro-dancehall record. In reaction, Stonebwoy took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on June 30, boldly claiming credit for birthing the genre, a fusion of African rhythms and traditional dancehall.
On July 2, Samini issued a series of posts in response, clarifying his stance. While refusing to claim ownership of the term Afro-dancehall, Samini emphasized that the genre naturally evolved from what he had long promoted as African Dancehall.
“I’d be lame to claim #Afrodancehall. I saw and inspired it with my #Africandancehall,” he stated, recalling how he once encouraged Stonebwoy, then an emerging artist under his wing to blend his native Ewe (Ayigbe) into his music instead of overusing Jamaican patois.
Samini also highlighted his influence on the trajectory of both Stonebwoy and fellow dancehall heavyweight Shatta Wale, noting his direct involvement in shaping their early sounds and direction.
Addressing his relationship with Stonebwoy more directly, Samini suggested that he had often defended him publicly and helped set the stage for his early career success.
“I inspired @shattawalegh to start looking this way, lol. ’Cause I directed and put out @stonebwoy’s first album, and it was a hit. I’ve never been mute when it comes to Stone. Sometimes I come out to defend when I don’t have to. Don’t push me,” he warned.
