Author: Nana Kwame Kumi

Ghana is one of the African countries that boast an interesting number of dancehall artists. In reality, these artists adopt certain other music genres but they are best known for their exciting dancehall/reggae music which triggers enthusiasm from lots of music lovers.

Myriads of music lovers already know that dancehall is one of the popular music genres in Ghana. Owing to that, it’s quite interesting to hold a discussion about the leading dancehall artistes in Ghana.

1. Shatta wale (Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr): A popular Ghanaian dancehall artiste. He was born in the Ghanaian capital –Accra –in 1984 and he combines artistic roles as a producer and reggae-dancehall musician. Who previously went by the stage name “Bandana” –is the originator, CEO, and leader of the Shatta Movement Records. Asides being a musician, Shatta Wale has laid his hands on acting and starred in movies including “Shattered Lives” and “Never Say Never”.

Shatta Wale, who has been an active musician since 2004, is Ghana’s most talented dancehall artist. Meanwhile, he is said to have traveled out of Ghana into Jamaica where he devoted his time to learning dancehall. Without doubts, he is the African dancehall artiste with the highest number of awards and in his country –Ghana –he has been considered the second most decorated musician. His songs are a sumptuous blend of Afrobeat, Dancehall, and Reggae. Significantly, he launches almost one hundred songs every year. He was rated 38th on E.tv’s chart of “Top 100 Most Influential Ghanaians” in 2014.

2. Stonebwoy-(Livingstone Etse satekla) is a popular Ghanaian artiste who combines reggae with dancehall and Afropop. At the 2015 Ghana Music Awards, he was awarded “Artist of the Year” and at the 2015 Bet Awards, he was awarded Best International Act: Africa. Stonebwoy commands significant influence as one of the best Ghanaian Dancehall and Reggae artistes and he serves as the CEO of Burniton Music Group.Born in the Ghanaian area of Ashaiman in 1988, Stonebwoy has been an active musician since 2009 and he currently sings under two record labels namely Zylofon Media and Burniton Music Group.

3. Samini- (Emmanuel Andrews samini)– is a native of Wa and he is considered one of the best Ghanaian Dancehall artists. He was born in the Ghanaian capital –Accra- in 1981. He is a prolific Dancehall and Reggae recording artiste and his songs combine music genres like hip-hop, hiplife, reggae, and dancehall. Samini, has been an active musician since 1999 and currently, his diverse occupational endeavours distinguish him as an entrepreneur, actor, singer, rag, and rapper. In his music career so far, Samini has a total of six studio albums and each of his albums has hit massive sales in the market. Samini’s musical recognition and breakthrough started apparently when the singer came up with his debut single titled “Linda’’.

3. Kaakie-(Grace Kaki Awo Ocansey) is a renowned dancehall artiste. She was born in the Ghanaian region of Accra, Ada in 1991. In addition to her stage name “Kaakie’’, she is popularly dubbed “Dancehall Queen’’ and has remained an active musician since 2012. She currently records music under Xtra Large Music –the first and only record label she has been signed to. Kaakie grew her music passion at a young age. At the time, she would listen to various songs with different genres. Also, she did karaoke editions for the majority of the songs she was fond of listening to. During her time at the university, she was given the chance to appear in “Starts of the Future” –one of the reality TV shows. During her struggles to emerge a superstar, Kaakie featured amongst the contestants in the singing competition that was aired on Ghanaian TV for several weeks.

4.Iwan

Abdul Razak Issahaku –is a well-known Ghanaian dancehall and reggae artiste. He was born in the Ghanaian capital –Accra –in 1985. Though “Iwan’’ remains his stage name, he is also called “Lyrical Gunshot’’. A graduate of Legon-based University of Ghana, Iwan holds a B Sc degree in Fine Arts and studied Theatre Art, Music and Dance during his days in the University.

Iwan has remained an active musician since 2008 and he holds the great distinction as the first Ghanaian to be given an award in dancehall/reggae. Precisely, the name “IWAN’” is an acronym for “I Win Always Naturally’’. Iwan was signed to Bullhaus Entertainment for his first record label but currently, he records songs under Gideon Force. In 2010, he came up with his first album titled “Iwan –My Time”.

5.Eye Judah- (Bernard Okaiteh)

 –is a Ghanaian artiste that skillfully combines Reggae, Dancehall, and Afropop. He was born in the Ghanaian capital –Accra –in 1991. Recently, he was endorsed by a Ghanaian-based record label known as Freedom Cry Records. Eye Judah’s songs are being circulated globally by VPAL Music which serves as the “distribution wing’ for VP Records –the world’s biggest Reggae and Dancehall record label.

Bernard Okaiteh, popularly Eye Judah, has been an active musician since 2012. He is a native of James Town situated in Ghana’s Greater Accra region. Bernard’s dad is a choirmaster and this triggered Barnard’s fervent love for music. Having developed his music passion at a very tender age, Bernard grew stronger inclinations for Reggae and Dancehall music at the time he was in Junior High School. Meanwhile, his love for music reached the spotlight at the time he was admitted to Senior High School (Pope John). 

At the 2015 Bass Awards, Bernard received a nomination for the Discovery Artist of The Year as a result of his diligence and ample time devotion towards working out his music skills. So far, he has released a good deal of singles and today, he is considered one of the best dancehall artistes in Ghana.

Thanks for joining me!

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