Ghanaian music legend Rocky Dawuni has weighed in on the recent Grammy Hip-life article saga, urging unity within the music industry. 

In an interview with Abeiku Santana on Okay FM on September 3, 2024, Rocky Dawuni expressed his disinterest in the ongoing debate, noting that it is being used to create news and pit artistes against each other.

He stated that any recognition of the music industry, such as the Grammys acknowledging Hip-life, is a positive development for the music industry and should be appreciated.

“Every acknowledgement of our music industry is a positive one. They (the Grammys) have acknowledged hip-life, which is rightfully so. 

“So, I don't think there should be any argument or using this to say one artiste is this or one artiste is that. Then they are going into the whole thing of putting artistes against each other,” he said.

He called for an end to unnecessary arguments and comparisons between artists, advocating instead for a collective celebration of the industry's achievements. 

"We are together; we should all work together. Anything that comes is for the country. It is an acknowledgement of the music industry, and we should leave it at that," he said.

Highlighting the contributions of artists like Stonebwoy, Rocky Dawuni said he had been an advocate for recognition of Africa as the birthplace of music. 

He said that any article that acknowledges the contributions of African creators and innovators is a positive step for the country’s music industry.

“Stonebwoy has contributed amazingly to the music industry. All of us have.

“I have been calling for the acknowledgement of Africa. The place that has been the birthplace of music deserves to be recognized. 

"So any article that recognises the contribution of African creators and innovators is always a positive one,” he said.

What happened?

An article on the Grammy website acknowledged notable Hiplife artists like VIP, Sarkodie, Reggie Rockstone, and Obrafour for their contribution to the rise of the genre.

However, Reggae/Dancehall musician Stonebwoy criticized the article for omitting his name, arguing that he has made significant contributions to Ghanaian music.

Stonebwoy's post sparked backlash on social media, with many questioning his inclusion in a Hiplife-focused list.

Stonebwoy defended his stance, arguing that his impact and inspiration from Hiplife artists warranted his inclusion. 

See the full interview below:



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