Hiplife originator denied national honour

Hiplife founder Reggie Rockstone has been denied national honours for the second time. The National Honours Awards, which took place in Accra on July 3, 2008 ended with fans of Hiplife wondering why the originator of the genre of music that gave means of livelihood to thousands of Ghanaians at home and abroad wasn’t honoured. Hiplife enthusiasts have regarded it as a big blow to youth empowerment in the country.

Reggie Rockstone started a movement that turned the pages of music history in Ghana. He is known as the Hiplife grandpapa because of the trend he set in the early 90s as the first to fuse Hip hop with Highlife music.

The product became what we now recognise as Hiplife music, arguably the dominant music form in Ghana today. The question being asked by many music lovers is; why hasn’t Reggie Rockstone been recognised for his contribution to Ghana.

The only Hiplife artist honoured during the ceremony was one of Reggie’s kids, Obour. Reggie Rockstone did not only start Hiplife but sold Ghana all over the world as a cultural ambassador. He declined to comment on the matter when contacted by Showghana.com.

Ghana’s first president, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, instituted the national honours on July 1, 1960.