Ghanaian musician Choir Master has sparked renewed discussion around the origins of Afrobeats, claiming in a recent interview that the genre began as Hiplife and that its roots are deeply embedded in Ghana’s music culture.
His comments, made during an interview on Hitz FM with Dr. Pounds, add to the long-standing debate between Ghana and Nigeria over which country gave birth to the globally popular genre.
According to Choir Master, Afrobeats, as it is known today, evolved from the foundational sounds of Hiplife, a genre that blends hip-hop and highlife, pioneered in Ghana in the 1990s.
He argued that this connection places Ghana at the centre of the Afrobeats story, challenging the dominant narrative that credits Nigeria as the originator of the genre.
The Ghana vs. Nigeria Afrobeats origin debate has been ongoing for years, with each country presenting historical and musical evidence to support its claim. Choir Master’s statement is likely to reignite conversations within the entertainment industry and among music lovers across West Africa.
Despite the controversy, the musician encouraged Ghanaian artists, especially emerging talents, to fully embrace the Afrobeats wave.
With its global popularity soaring and international collaborations increasing, Afrobeats presents a valuable opportunity for Ghanaian musicians to showcase their creativity on the world stage.
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