“There’s Nothing Wrong If Ghanaian Musicians Copy Nigerian Musicians; They Also Used To Copy Us Back Then” – Reggie Rockstone

As Hiplife grandpapa, Reggie Rockstone has stated that there's nothing wrong with Ghanaian musicians sounding eerily similar to their Nigerian colleagues, as has been the case recently.

In a recent interview with Graphic Showbiz, Reggie, who claims to be the creator of Hiplife (the fusion of indigenous rhythms that is Highlife and Hip-hop), stated in a recent interview with Graphic Showbiz that there's nothing wrong with artists sampling beats or sounding like Nigerians because they were the ones who first coyed out the style of music.

According to Reggie,

Personally, I've had folks contact me behind the scenes regarding this subject, but what is there to be concerned about? I don't believe what these young lads are doing is unique to the United States.

Nigerians sampled our rhythms during the heyday of hip-hop, and even more recently, when Azonto was the rage, it swept Nigeria, Africa, and beyond. So what's the big deal if our lads and girls sample their tracks and imitate their styles?

There's nothing wrong with hopping on the bandwagon if that's what's popular, as long as you're talented. Fela Kuti, the man credited with inventing Afrobeats, was heavily influenced by Ghanaian music, particularly Highlife.

When Ghana takes something from Nigeria, however, it inevitably becomes a rivalry or competition. These grievances and pointless matches make Ghanaians appear petty and envious of Nigerians, which is not the case.

According to Reggie Rockstone, Nigerians were also all over the place, since they were more patriotic towards a cause than Ghanaians.

Regardless of that, he continued, “we should perceive this action as an African projection clothed in togetherness, as Dr. Kwame Nkrumah envisioned.”

Source: DKlassgh.com