"I Inspired It, I Didn't Claim It" – Samini Weighs In on Afro-Dancehall Origins Amid Stonebwoy Debate

 

Ghanaian music legend Emmanuel Andrews Sammini, popularly known as Samini, has entered the spotlight once again—this time addressing the ongoing debate about the origins of Afro-Dancehall, a genre now attracting international recognition.

The controversy was reignited after fellow artist Stonebwoy (real name Livingstone Etse Satekla) recently claimed credit for coining the term Afro-Dancehall, following its mention in Billboard. While many fans have celebrated Stonebwoy’s role in popularizing the genre, industry veterans and longtime observers have pushed back, pointing to the groundwork laid by earlier acts, particularly Samini.

Responding to the claims via X (formerly Twitter), Samini offered a thoughtful take:

“I’d be lame to claim Afrodancehall. I saw and inspired it with my Africandancehall.
JMJ can confirm when I told my boy to tone down the patois and fuse Ayigbe, since he’s more comfortable with that over Twi.”

Samini stressed that his musical style—what he refers to as African Dancehall—was a fusion of Caribbean dancehall rhythms with African languages and cultural elements. He believes this approach created the blueprint for what would later become known as Afro-Dancehall.

While he stopped short of claiming ownership of the genre, Samini emphasized his instrumental role in its evolution and encouraged artists and fans to focus on celebrating the genre’s growth rather than debating its origins.

This isn’t the first time Samini has spoken on the subject. He has consistently credited himself with mentoring rising talents, including Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy, in blending local dialects and Afrocentric styles into dancehall music to create a uniquely Ghanaian sound.

As Afro-Dancehall continues to gain momentum worldwide, Samini's reflections serve as a reminder of the genre’s collaborative foundations—and the importance of honoring the pioneers who helped shape it.

Source: Ghanaweekend