Jamaican reggae icon Duane Stephenson recently graced the stage at the Kuchoko Roots Festival held at La Pleasure Beach in Accra, where he delivered an electrifying performance and shared his thoughts on the future of reggae music in Ghana.
Stephenson, a renowned artist known for hits such as ‘August Town’ and ‘Cottage in Negril’, urged young Ghanaian artists to explore roots reggae as a sustainable career path.
During his time at the festival, Stephenson emphasized the importance of structured support for budding talents in the reggae scene. He highlighted the need for young artists to embrace roots reggae music as a means to change their life trajectory and make a living from their craft.
With Accra’s vibrant music scene and talented individuals, Stephenson expressed optimism about the potential for reggae to thrive in Ghana with the right backing.
The Kuchoko Roots Festival, organized by Blakk Rasta, has become a significant platform for reggae artists from across Africa and the diaspora to showcase their music and connect with audiences.
This year’s edition featured performances from global reggae icons like Kenyatta Hill and Duane Stephenson, who captivated the energetic Ghanaian crowd with their music and insights.
In addition to discussing the future of reggae, Stephenson also addressed the challenges facing the dancehall genre, noting its struggle to produce long-lasting stars in recent years.
He compared the genre’s current state to the evolution of Afrobeats, highlighting the need for dancehall to overcome its current phase and regain momentum.
Despite the industry’s challenges, Stephenson expressed gratitude to his Ghanaian fans for their unwavering support and hinted at plans for a full-scale concert in the country. He commended the local backing band that performed with him at the festival, praising their adaptability and musical prowess.
With calls from Stephenson, Hill, and other reggae icons to strengthen Ghana’s reggae scene, the genre holds immense potential in the country.
However, consistent support, industry structures, and audience engagement are essential for young artists to sustain reggae careers and propel the genre to new heights.
