Board member of the Ghana Reggae Dancehall Awards, Daddy Bosco has refuted recent claims made by Highlife artiste Adangba that dancehall breeds hooliganism among Ghanaian youth.Along with a number of other important Reggae/Dancehall community members, Daddy Bosco has vehemently refuted these assertions, calling them misinformed and hampers the growth of the genre.In an earlier interview with Graphic Showbiz, Adangba argued that the lyrical content and overall style of the genre promoted a culture of rebellion and violence.Citing the clash between Ghanaian Dancehall artistes Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale at the 2019 Ghana Music Awards, he argued the genre's culture imported from Jamaica is negatively influencing Ghanaians.Despite admitting that there may be some bad actors in the Dancehall scene, Bosco maintained that they do not reflect the genre's ideals or central message.However, speaking to Graphic Showbiz on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, Bosco said: "Those who claim Dancehall music fosters hooliganism are often not well-informed about the genre's true nature."A more nuanced and informed perspective reveals that Dancehall music frequently advocates social justice, addressing the struggles and experiences of marginalised communities."If we take the time to truly understand the ethos of the genre, we would recognise its cultural and social significance rather than hastily condemning it."It is important to avoid generalising based on the actions of a few individuals within the Dancehall scene.
While some may stray from the positive messages that Dancehall often promotes, this is not unique to the genre.
Every music style has individuals whose behaviours do not reflect the overall values or spirit of the music.""Yet, when such incidents occur in other genres, we do not immediately label the entire genre in a negative light.
This tendency to label Dancehall as inherently problematic is not only misguided but also diminishes the powerful, socially conscious messages that much of the music delivers", he added.Reggae Dancehall musician Ras Kuuku shares similar sentiments with Daddy Bosco and called for an end to the constant denigration of Dancehall, as he believes it is a genre that promotes and preaches peace.