How can Shatta Wale be Dancehall King of a genre he didn’t create? – Ambolley

Veteran Highlife musician Gyedu-Blay Ambolley has criticised Shatta Wale over his “Dancehall King” title, arguing that he cannot claim to be king of a genre he did not originate.

In an interview on Starr FM on April 2, 2026, the veteran explained that Dancehall began in Jamaica, therefore, questioning how anyone could take ownership of a title tied to a culture created elsewhere.

He added that Shatta Wale, who often identifies as Dancehall King, is only playing around with the title since he did not create the genre.

“Everybody gets up and says they are the Dancehall King, they’re a Reggae king. How can you be a Dancehall king when you are not the one who created it? Dancehall was created by our brothers from Jamaica.

“To me, Shatta Wale is claiming it, but I think he is joking around, because he didn’t come up with it; he didn’t create it. How can you be a king of something you didn’t create?” he said.

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According to him, Dancehall does not have a king in Ghana, adding that artistes like Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy, and Samini are all following an already established genre, and, therefore, cannot claim such a title.

However, Shatta Wale responded on Facebook, urging his fans not to attack or disrespect the veteran musician.

He noted that he has long admired Ambolley and would never disregard his opinion.

“Please, nobody should attack him, no disrespect please. I loved this man from infancy and I can’t and will never disrespect his views. Maybe we have to learn more in the hard way. Thank you my legend; ano bore at all… It’s all love,” Shatta Wale wrote.

Veteran highlife musician Gyedu-Blay Ambolley has criticised Shatta Wale over his “Dancehall King” title, describing it as misplaced. According to Ambolley, no artiste can claim kingship of a genre they did not create, stressing that dancehall originated from Jamaica. pic.twitter.com/nkvwZeTLZ5

— Sammy Kumah (@SammyKayMedia) April 2, 2026