Ghanaian music legend, Rocky Dawuni has weighed in on the recent Grammy Hip-life article saga, urging unity within the music industry.
Rocky Dawuni expressed his disinterest in the ongoing debate, noting that it is being used to create news and pit artists against each other.
“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 artists against each other.”
Rocky Dawuni
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 acknowledgment of the music industry, and we should leave it at that.”
Rocky Dawuni
Highlighting the contributions of artists like Stonebwoy, Rocky Dawuni said he had been an advocate for the recognition of Africa.
“Stonebwoy has contributed amazingly to the music industry. All of us have. I have been calling for the acknowledgment of Africa. The place that has been the birthplace of music deserves to be recognized.”
Rocky Dawuni
“So any article that recognizes the contribution of African creators and innovators is always a positive one,” Rocky Dawuni added.
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.
Singer Speaks About His Grammy Membership
Ghanaian singer, Rocky Dawuni shared details about his role as a member of the Grammys.
Rocky Dawuni expressed his excitement at his association with the prestigious music award scheme.
The singer stated that his new role demands a thorough understanding of every aspect of music.
“It needs somebody who can be able to judge others’ work. It takes a lot of experience on your end as well. You have to be able to know the rules of that game, that trade, and have a really great track record.”
Rocky Dawuni
Rocky Dawuni noted that he decided to serve as a member of the Grammys after creating a body of work worthy of the influential position.
“For me, everybody who has been a producer, songwriter, or performing artist anywhere outside or around the world, a lot of times, this is an aspect of our industry, so you aspire to it. Once I was able to create enough work to be worthy of it, I joined it.”
Rocky Dawuni
The Grammy-nominated artist also added that his membership guarantees him the opportunity to vote and advocate for Ghanaian music.
He said: “They have given me the privilege to vote every year. At the same time too, I have the privilege to be able to translate works that are released in Ghana with other members.”
Rocky Dawuni also shared his thoughts on the rise of Afrobeats as the new face of African music; its commercial success, and the general decline of conscious music in the new limelight of African sounds.
Dawuni emphasized the importance of consciousness in music, citing Fela Anikulapo Kuti and Bob Marley as inspirations.
The decline of authentic storytelling in Afrobeats, Dawuni argued, can be attributed to the pressure for commercial success.
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