Ghanaian dancehall musician, Samini
Ghanaian dancehall veteran Samini has taken to social media to share his thoughts amidst ongoing debates about the origin of the Afro-dancehall genre.
His comments follow a recent online stir triggered by Stonebwoy, who declared himself the pioneer of Afro-dancehall after Billboard described Moliy’s song “Shake It To The Max” as an Afro-dancehall track.
On June 30, 2025, Stonebwoy posted on X in response to Billboard’s post, asserting his role as the originator of the genre, a fusion of African rhythms and traditional dancehall.
However, Samini, who has found himself drawn into the conversation, responded with a series of tweets on July 2, 2025, clarifying his position.
He said the emergence of Afro-dancehall is a natural progression from what he had already established with ‘African dancehall’.
According to him, although he played a crucial role in shaping what is now known as Afro-dancehall, he does not seek to claim ownership of the genre.
Samini stated that he even inspired Stonebwoy, who was under his tutelage at the time to fuse his local language (Ewe) into dancehall music.
“I’d be lame to claim #Afrodancehall. I saw and inspired it with my #Africandancehall… JMJ was my witness when I told my boy to tone down the patois and fuse ayigbe since he’s more comfortable with that over twi.
“African dancehall birthed #Afrodancehall #Gboi birthed #bhim #SummerKing go open keys. Man vex madd @stonebwoy. I Dey watch how you go educate these new people. You know me better. Akyesaaaaaaaaaa,” he said.
Samini also revealed that his influence extended beyond Stonebwoy, claiming he inspired Shatta Wale as well.
“I’ve always represented African dancehall, my guy. I inspired @shattawalegh to start looking this way lol. Cus I directed and put out @stonebwoy first album and it was a hit lol. I’ve never been mute when it comes to stone. Sometimes I come out to defend when I don’t have to. Don’t push me,” he added.
Watch the post below:
I’d be lame to claim #Afrodancehall . I saw and inspired it into being with my #Africandancehall .. jmj be my witness when I told my boy to tone down the patois and fuse ayigbe since he’s more comfortable with that over twi. #Africandancehall birthed #Afrodancehall #Gboi…
— SAMINI (@samini_dagaati) July 2, 2025
I’ve always represented Africandancehall my guy. I inspired @shattawalegh to start looking this way lol. Cus I directed and put out @stonebwoy first album and it was a hit lol. I’ve never been mute when it comes to stone. Sometimes I come out to defend when i don’t have to. Don’t… https://t.co/piu6m4tfr6
— SAMINI (@samini_dagaati) July 2, 2025
JHM/EB
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