Currently in Ghana two Dancehall artistes Shatta Wale and Samini do not seem to see eye-to-eye. And it all started when the former accused the latter of not wishing that he ‘eats’ from his trade.
This resulted in accusations and counter accusations resulting in both artistes recording songs that attack the other.
Interestingly, the on-going dispute has assumed a new dimension and a very negative and disturbing dimension at that, after the just ended Guinness Big Eruption Concert at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The dispute was heightened prior to the show, to the extent that, fans of each of the artistes through social media platforms attacked each other using negative words.
During the show, fans of the artistes were reported to have clashed at the venue. However, the swift intervention of the security officials’ present prevented bloodshed.
Even though, no casualties were recorded on the night, I think it makes sense that whatever it is that is going on be dealt with once and for all.
No doubt, the feud has heightened after the show. Tempers have risen and words bandied about recklessly. I must say that, it has gotten to the stage where their followers are gradually getting themselves involved.
After all, Ghanaians do not want to experience the East Coast – West Coast hip hop rivalry feud that took place in the 1990s between artists and fans of East Coast hip hop and West Coast hip hop scenes in the United States. In that misunderstanding, East Coast-based rapper, The Notorious B.I.G. of Bad Boy Records and West Coast-based rapper 2Pac of Death Row Records, were both murdered by unknown assailants.
This perhaps, is what has caused the originator of Hip Life, Reggie Rockstone, to come out publicly to say he was going to intervene to settle the ongoing dispute.
A communiqué signed by music producer, Edward Nana Poku Osei, popularly known as Hammer, of ‘The Last Two’, a National Director of Hiplife with the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) gives the impression of a decision to commence series of events to address and possibly halt the ongoing unrest between the two Dancehall heavyweights.
Now to the part that I have a problem with. We can assume the two are in some kind of bickering and so there is need to help them forestall any East and West Coast experience in Ghana.
When the current MUSIGA President, Obour assumed office he made some appointments that included designations as directors of different genres of music in Ghana.
For instance, Nana Tuffour was made Director of Hi-Life Music, Rev. Yawson as Director of Gospel Music, Hammer as Director of Hiplife and Ras Appiah-Levi made the director of Reggae Music.
Shatta Wale and Samini are not Hiplife, Gospel or Highlife musicians. They are known as Dancehall artistes and Dancehall falls somewhere close to Reggae, so why is the Director of Reggae not allowed to initiate moves to find a truce between the two Dancehall contenders?
I have a problem with the Director of Hiplife leading such a crusade. What could possibly be the reason, or is he privy to something we do not know?
On the other hand, Reggie Rockstone is a respected artiste having created the hiplife genre which has seen many folks make a living and acquire properties out of, but what clout does he have in his quest to find solution to the ongoing problems between the two musicians?
Reggie recently openly declared his intention to join VIP after Promzy left the group. Reggie should have used whatever steps he has up his sleeves to resolve the feud among the VIP, but not declare publicly his intention to join them?
I do not intend to disrespect the Grandpapa of Hiplife but clearly if this is not double standard then I do not know what it is.
So I ask again, are Reggie and Hammer, the right people to handle the move for reconciliation?
