#PlayGhana: Once I'm alive, hiplife will never die — Reggie Rockstone

Renowned Ghanaian music legend and pioneer of the hiplife genre, Reggie Rockstone, has reaffirmed his belief that hiplife music will continue to thrive for years to come.

He disputed claims that hiplife has waned in popularity, noting that as long as he is alive, the genre he helped pioneer will continue to survive and grow.

The legendary crooner made the declaration at the launch of the #PlayGhana campaign held on Thursday, December 14, at the Ministry of Information, Accra.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Creative Arts Agency and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, aims to promote more airplay of Ghanaian music during the festive season and beyond.

"Once I am alive, hiplife will never die," he said. "People claim it has faded out but that is not true.”

On the initiative, he said, “It's not about Nigeria and Ghana but it's time to make a move. Burna Boy and others have filled larger venues."

He pointed to the success of artistes like Shatta Wale as proof that Ghanaian music still has global appeal.

The #PlayGhana campaign also received backing from other veteran acts and disc jockeys like DJ Mensah, Samini and Black Sherif who called on DJs and audiences to embrace and support local music more.

Deputy Minister for Creative Arts Mark Okraku Mantey acknowledged that Ghanaian DJs have been reluctant to play local songs due to past disputes with artists.

He appealed to them to let the sleeping dogs lie and help support local music for the sake of the country.

The launch event stressed the need for Ghanaians to showcase and promote their rich musical talents like their Nigerian counterparts, as greater airplay and visibility are crucial to growing the profile and commercial success of Ghanaian music worldwide.