Ghana Music: Reggie Rockstone claims he is the originator of hiplife

The origin of hiplife music has often sparked controversy as other legends like Jeju Blay Ambollay also lay claim to it.

Reggie Rockstone has sparked controversy by laying claim to hiplife music, saying he is the “originator” of the genre and that there is no “controversy" about it.

The origin of hiplife music has often sparked controversy as hiplife star Barima Sidney has challenged him over his claim in the past.

 

Speaking on Joy FM’s Personality Profile Thursday, the hiplife ‘Grand Papa’ said there was no controversy about the issue, saying bloggers and the media blew the issue out of proportion.

Rockstone said: “There was never no controversy. There never was. It was just bloggers and media who saw a fat bone and decided to chew on it.

“And it was a very disgusting time actually. But also, God works in mysterious ways because it also brought to light plenty things that people didn't know.

“You know…, it is called the ‘Jesus syndrome.’ At some point your own people might just turn, you know and crucify you.

“But you know me, I come on like Mohammed Ali. I have a big mouth and I fought my way through out and till today I stand up proud and I beat my chest and I tell them, ‘listen, I am the originator of hiplife, there is no dispute about it. And if you wanna [want] show me who did, bring them out.’ And as soon as I say that, they keep looking at me."

 

Sidney has said Rockstone must stop holding himself as the originator of Hiplife since he and other musicians had already started a trend the Hiplife Grand Papa helped develop further.

“Yes, the history of hiplife has been distorted and there are many people, especially the new generation, who have been misled for many years.

Some of us have been very quiet for long and it’s time to straighten some of these crooked stories for the benefit of all,”  Sidney said.

Giving his account of the origin of hiplife, Sidney, who together with Jyoti and Omanhene Pozo formed the trio named, Nananom, said before Rockstone came on the scene, there had been other artistes and groups who had held the forte for many years.

“Before Reggie came down to Ghana, there were groups such as the Native Funk Lords (NFL) which had Eddy Blay Jnr and myself as members and the Taboo group. Azigiza Jnr. and the likes of General Marcus were all doing rap music before Reggie came down in 1994 during the annual Panafest".

“It took Reggie two years to release his Maka Maka album in 1996 which featured Nananom’s Panyin NanObenye bi da".

The origin of hiplife music has often sparked controversy as other legends like Jeju Blay Ambollay also lay claim to it. Read Full Story