Legendary Ghanaian musician, Reggie Rockstone, has stood in the defence of Stonebwoy following the latter’s claims of being the founder of the Afro-Dancehall genre.
The brouhaha started following a post by the official Billboard X handle, congratulating musician Moliy for her hit song “Shake It to the Max.”
In reaction, Stonebwoy, quoting the post, clarified that he was the founder of the Afrodancehall genre, prompting reactions on social media. Some netizens doubted his claims, citing other artists, including Samini, while others defended Stonebwoy.
In reaction to this, Reggie Rockstone, in his social media handle on July 3, 2025, stood by Stonebwoy, praising him as the “originator of Afro-Dancehall,” highlighting his tireless efforts to champion and elevate the genre.
“As far as I know, the originator of Afro-Dancehall is Stonebwoy. He’s been at the forefront. He has held the name up and worked tirelessly; he is still working. And so when this debate came up, he immediately stood up like he should and said, ‘Wait, hold up. That’s my baby there. I did it for the country. This is my project. And I’ve been speaking on this project.’
“Anyway, simple and short. Afro-dancehall is at the forefront. You gotta give it to him. The Stonebwoy. I don’t care what it is that you represent or which team you are.”
Reggie Rockstone
Rockstone noted that the dancehall artist stepped up early, as soon as he sensed attempts to downplay his contributions, citing how he [Reggie Rockstone] was overlooked when the origins of the Hiplife genre were being discussed.
“You tried to pull that same bullshit with hip life with me, remember? You all tried to make it like it wasn’t me. Well, people are not stupid. So my younger brother, Stonebwoy, saw that. He must have thought, ‘Damn, that’s how they’re going to do Uncle Reggie? After y’all enjoyed it and still enjoying hip life, you gonna come and downplay the man’s work?’
“So he immediately took a stand when it came to Afro dancehall. So as soon as you mentioned it, he was right there on the forefront, like, ‘Yep. Before you do to me what you did to my uncle, or tried to do to my uncle.’ Because, you know, I had to fight. Yep, I did. And I still fight, you know, even though it’s stupid right now, but perception is everything.”
Reggie Rockstone
Rockstone argued that silence equates to acceptance, which is why the ‘Into The Future’ crooner has been vocal about his role, just as he did decades earlier with Hiplife.
“With Ghana, refusal to deny means acceptance. And so, therefore, if you do not speak. So now Molly blew up, and Afro-dancehall is shining. But you all are going to be like, Stonebwoy should not say anything. And all of a sudden, he’s being petty. Well, two years ago, when all y’all were being petty about the origin of Afro-dancehall, you did not think that brother Stonebwoy was being petty, did you? No.”
Reggie Rockstone
He applauded the dancehall artist for “speaking his truth” and for safeguarding Afro-Dancehall as a part of Ghana’s musical heritage.
“Brother, speak your speak, talk your shit. Because they will try to downplay your work. You see what they tried to do to me. They did it to Nkrumah. They don’t let them sit on your work. It’s a part of your legacy.”
Reggie Rockstone
Rockstone also issued a broader warning, urging young artists not to let their legacies be distorted.
Fans Defend Stonebwoy
Veteran Ghanaian dancehall artiste Samini is facing backlash from fans following his recent attempt to assert influence over the emergence of Afro-dancehall, a genre that Stonebwoy has been widely credited with building and popularising.
Samini took to social media to suggest that what is now known as Afro-dancehall stems from his earlier work in African dancehall and that he inspired Stonebwoy to fuse his local Ewe dialect into his music.
While Samini claimed he wasn’t seeking credit, many fans took issue with the timing and tone of his comments. Fans defended Stonebwoy, demanding Samini “give him his flowers”.
Social media users quickly rallied behind the artist, accusing Samini of trying to downplay the Bhim Nation president’s role in solidifying the genre.
“To be honest, I feel like it wasn’t important for you to explain all this. We saw Stonebwoy being downplayed when he chose to stick with Afro-dancehall. He literally built it brick by brick. Let him enjoy it. Bro did so much to make this genre a thing. Just give him his flowers.”
CLINTMARS
“Masa, masa, many people influenced it. Don’t come and reap what you did not sow.”
Worse Koku
Other fans expressed disappointment in Samini’s public remarks, urging him to support rather than compete with his musical protégé.
“I am disappointed in you as your fan. There are some issues you should let go, especially when Stonebwoy is in the equation.”
Jabir Gbambegu
“You’re loud now because it’s global. If you had good intentions, you’d congratulate him. Confidence is when you compliment people without feeling insecure—Sark. Acknowledge your man!”
LOVE IN THE CLUB
While both Samini and Stonebwoy have made significant contributions to Ghanaian music, this public debate has ignited discussions about mentorship, legacy, and ownership within the industry.
Fans, however, seem to be calling for mutual respect, recognising that while influence matters, the work put into building and elevating a genre should not be overshadowed.
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