Stonebwoy, a leading Ghanaian musician, has emphasized his belief that Reggae music has its roots in Africa, particularly Ghana.
This sentiment was expressed during his acceptance speech at the 25th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), where he stressed that Reggae doesn’t solely belong to the Caribbean but has significant ties to Africa. Stonebwoy pointed to Ghana’s historical connection to the transatlantic slave trade as a key piece of evidence for his claim.
“I just want to say by extension that Reggae music, like I was bashed for it in Jamaica, I said it has its roots right here in Ghana because out of the 66 forts that took away the slaves… so like I was saying, Reggae music belongs to Ghanaians as much as it belongs to Jamaicans,” he stated during his speech.
Stonebwoy’s comments reflect his earlier statement in a 2022 interview where he argued that Reggae music is fundamentally African. He maintained that Ghana’s history, particularly its role in the slave trade, supports the country’s connection to Reggae music. This perspective challenges the conventional view that Reggae music is an exclusively Jamaican cultural product.
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By highlighting the historical and cultural links between Ghana and the Caribbean, Stonebwoy aims to broaden the understanding of Reggae music’s origins. His stance invites a re-examination of the genre’s history, acknowledging the influence of African rhythms and experiences that have shaped Reggae music. This acknowledgment not only celebrates the genre’s rich heritage but also strengthens the cultural ties between Africa and the Caribbean.
Stonebwoy’s remarks have sparked discussions and debates within the music community, encouraging a more inclusive view of Reggae music’s history. His advocacy for recognizing Ghana’s role in the development of Reggae underscores the importance of understanding and appreciating the diverse influences that contribute to global musical genres.
