OgeeTheMC said Stonebwoy was the first to make hypemen an essential part of stage performances
Popular MC/Hypeman for Ghanaian Dancehall star Stonebwoy, OgeeTheMC, has credited his boss as the pioneer of hypemen in Ghana’s music industry.
Speaking in an interview with Graphic Showbiz, Ogee, who has worked with Stonebwoy for more than a decade, said the records prove that his artiste was the first to make hypemen an essential part of stage performances.
“Some years back, the industry didn’t care about hypemen. Today, it has become part of performance culture. But let’s not forget those who made it attractive when no one cared. And here, I boldly name my boss, Stonebwoy, as the pioneer. The records are there,” he said.
Ogee added that seeing hype men play a role at the 2025 TGMA was refreshing, but he insisted that the trailblazers must be acknowledged for the efforts they made when the craft was not accepted.
“At least, at this year’s TGMA, we witnessed artistes performing with hypemen and that was very refreshing. But that is not to say that those who worked to get it to this stage, when initially it wasn’t accepted and appreciated, should not be given their flowers”, he added.
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His journey with Stonebwoy began in 2012 when they met at an event. Two years later, he officially joined his team and became his hypeman.
Before then, Ogee, real name Bright Fosu Danquah, was known as a Master of Ceremonies at school events, community shows, and parties while studying at Takoradi Technical University.
According to Ogee, the hypeman is often misunderstood. They are not just on stage to shout but to connect the artiste to the crowd and sustain the energy throughout a performance.
He said the growing respect for the role shows how much progress has been made.
“People mocked me, saying I was not serious and clueless. But I knew I was building something. Today, young artistes even reach out to me for mentorship. It wasn’t like that when I started. That alone makes the journey worthwhile,” he said proudly.
He acknowledged that Nigerian artistes, such as Tiwa Savage, may have helped popularise the role after performing with a hypeman at Ghana Meets Naija, but insists it was Stonebwoy who laid the foundation locally by consistently using him on the big stage.
“Ghana is always relaxed when it comes to versatility in our creative space. But Stonebwoy saw the potential early and gave me the platform. That changed everything.
“I will always applaud Stonebwoy for setting the pace for others to follow. I’m grateful for the opportunity, and nothing can destroy the bond we’ve built,” Ogee said.
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