Dancehall music thriving in Ghana{Headlines}

GHANIAN dancehall artiste Shatta Rako believes the time is right for the music to dominate his native homeland.

According to ghanaweb.com, Shatta Rako says Ghanians are getting fed up with their native ‘Azonto’ and are turning to dancehall.

“Afro Dancehall is a high tempo thing, so it’s an advantage for the genre. I just think dancehall time is now,” he said.

He explained that Afro Dancehall artistes should do more to sustain the masses’ interest or risk losing the good fortunes to something else.

Shatta Rako, whose given name is Rexford Kojo Amoah, said he will continue to feed his listeners with good music.

“My fans should expect continuous release of singles ... to show them ‘mi ah di Original Shatta’,” said the artiste, who recently added Kojo Legend to his moniker.

His recordings include Roll Call, Key, Badda Mind and One Ghana.

While dancehall music sales have declined significantly, the genre is enjoying huge popularity in the West African country. Jamaican acts including Beenie Man, Sizzla Kolonji and Elephant Man have graced the island’s shores.

Rita Marley — widow of reggae legend Bob Marley — was made honorary citizen on August 3, during the country’s Emancipation Day celebration. The Marley family has lived in Ghana for almost 20 years. Marley has been involved in numerous charity projects, as well as operating a recording studio and helping to organise the Africa Unite concerts.

The BASS Awards — a wholly reggae, ragga and dancehall award scheme — was established this year.