'How can you be a dancehall king if you didn’t create dancehall? Shatta Wale is joking' - Gyedu Blay Ambolley

Gyedu Blay Ambolley and Shatta Wale

Legendary Ghanaian highlife musician Gyedu-Blay Ambolley has sparked fresh debate in the music industry after dismissing claims surrounding the “Dancehall King” title often associated with Shatta Wale.

During an appearance on Starr FM, Ambolley questioned the basis on which any artiste can claim kingship in a genre they did not originate.

“How can you be a dancehall king if you didn’t create dancehall? Shatta Wale is joking,” he stated bluntly.

His comments have since stirred conversation among music lovers and industry players, particularly within Ghana’s vibrant dancehall scene.

Ambolley, known for his deep-rooted influence in highlife and Afro-jazz, appeared to emphasize the importance of understanding the origins of musical genres before laying claim to ultimate titles within them.

Dancehall, which originated from Jamaica, has grown globally over the decades, with Ghanaian artistes playing key roles in popularizing it locally.

However, Shatta Wale, one of Ghana’s most dominant dancehall figures, has long been associated with the “Dancehall King” tag—a title backed by a massive fanbase and years of hit songs.