It would be a mistake for Stonebwoy to win Grammys – Ambolley

Veteran highlife musician, Gyedu Blay Ambolley claims no Ghanaian Reggae/Dancehall Artiste, including Stonebwoy, will be able to win the Grammys.

His assertion is based on the premise that Ghanaian artistes who find themselves in this genre do not portray the culture and identity of the country in their music as they use beats created by Jamaicans. He believes the lack of originality would certainly be an impediment.

“What I’m trying to emphasize is that we are a people of culture. We have so many forms of music; every country has its own. Why do we have to leave ours for theirs? Even if we are going to do it, it has to be done in our own way. We don’t use the same beat, sing in patois and all of that…,” he said on Hitz FM’s Daybreak Hitz, Friday.

When host, KMJ asked if Stonebwoy’s constant use of the Ewe language to embellish his songs is not enough, Ambolley responded that originality goes beyond language.

“He stands the chance but it’s not only about the language. The format of music is not created from here. Everything is rhythm. We have so many forms of rhythms here and if we can give it a little twist for identification, that’s what I’m talking about,” he mentioned.

Stonebwoy and Black Prophet’s albums LIVINGSTONE and STORIES OF LIFE respectively are up for consideration for Best Reggae Album at the 59th edition of the prestigious awards ceremony. In the case of Black Prophet, his records were produced by an international record label that used no Ghanaian element on any of the records. Ambolley believes Ghanaian artistes refusal to stay unique is the reason international awards schemes disrespect them.

“Everything is identification and comes down to direction. BET giving Stonebwoy and Sarkodie awards and all that, there is something they don’t do before awarding somebody. They need to come down here to investigate and know what is really going on but they would sit up there, call someone and ask who is the most popular artiste here. Disrespectfully, they give them the award backstage. Something is not right. Anything coming to Africa, they look down upon it. We sit here and hail them because BET has given us award. We really need to do our homework well,” he stated.

Asked if he would be surprised should Stonebwoy or Black Prophet is nominated, Ambolley replied that the Grammys would not be doing something right.

“I wouldn’t be disappointed but what I’m trying to say and emphasizing is that when it’s being done, it must be done well. I’m not trying to downplay the young artistes. The direction is what I’m talking about,” he said.