Ghanaian music superstar Stonebwoy is once again reminding the world that he’s not just a performer but the originator and driving force behind Afro‑Dancehall, the genre now making global noise thanks to artists like Moliy.
In a bold statement that’s resonated across music circles, Stonebwoy declared that he coined “Afro‑Dancehall” as early as 2007/2008, blending Afrobeats, highlife, hiplife, JuJu, bongo flava and amapiano with classic dancehall rhythms and patois a signature he would carry throughout his career
“I started pushing Afro‑Dancehall as a term I coined as far back as 2007/2008 … I haven’t heard anybody say ‘Afro‑Dancehall’ … not even the confidence to speak patois publicly.”
His hit single “Pull” (2012) exemplifies Afro‑Dancehall’s energetic sound marked by its infectious rhythm, dancehall bassline, and African flair showing that Stonebwoy has, for over a decade, personified the genre he created.
Stonebwoy’s conviction deepened during a May 2023 podcast on +44, where he emphasized his long-standing mission:
“I coined this name… been living up to it till today.”
This timely claim comes as fellow Ghanaian rising star Moliy currently dominates, with her Afro‑Dancehall smash hitting No. 1 for six weeks on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart and peaking at No. 55 on the Billboard Hot 100.Billboard reports attest to her global momentum endorsed by Davido, Ciara, Victoria Monét, J‑Hope and even a remix brewing with Vybz Kartel and Stefflon Don.
While Moliy rides the wave, Stonebwoy’s message is clear: She’s building on a foundation he laid. His pioneering of Afro‑Dancehall didn’t just introduce the term it shaped a movement that merged African musical roots with dancehall’s swagger, fueling a new cultural force.
Today, Stonebwoy continues to push Afro‑Dancehall globally, carrying the torch he lit in Accra’s neighborhoods to major international stages earning BET, Billboard, and VGMA accolades in the process .
As Moliy celebrates her breakthrough, Stonebwoy’s bold reminder cements his role: creator, motivator, and champion of Afro‑Dancehall. His declaration isn’t just about history it’s about preserving the integrity of a genre he built from the ground up, and watching it prosper beyond his own hits like “Pull.”
A Name Originated by @stonebwoy Let it be etched in the books of history..
— THE TORCHER (@stonebwoy) June 30, 2025
AFRO-DANCEHALL 🇬🇭🇯🇲🌍
To The World And Beyond..@moliymusic forever shaking it to the max
💥💣@billboardhiphop Thanks for the recognition. This will inspire many more youths to create in freedom in the… pic.twitter.com/4wZZZcdK22
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