The Unfair Overshadowing of Zapp Mallet: A co-founder of Hiplife

Ghana's vibrant music scene has been blessed with the rise of various genres that have shaped the cultural and social landscape of the nation. One of the most influential of these is "Hiplife," a fusion of highlife, hip-hop, and African rhythms.

While Reggie Rockstone is celebrated as the founder of Hiplife, the contributions of Ghanaian producer Zapp Mallet have been unjustly overlooked, even though he played a crucial role in crafting the sound that defined this genre.

Hiplife emerged in the early 1990s as a new musical movement that blended the traditional highlife sounds with the contemporary elements of hip-hop. Reggie Rockstone, often credited as the "Grandpapa of Hiplife," undeniably played a pivotal role in popularizing the genre. However, it was Zapp Mallet's production expertise that brought the music to life.

Mallet, known for his deep understanding of both highlife and production techniques, helped create the distinctive sound that defined Hiplife. His work on Reggie Rockstone's early releases laid the foundation for the genre, making him an integral part of its creation.

Despite his contributions, Zapp Mallet's role has often been minimized or ignored in discussions about Hiplife's origins.This man literally gave his life to hiplife and the numerous hits he has produced is a testament of the genius he is and his good work ethics. His marginalization is not only unfair but also overlooks the collaborative nature of music production.

Just as the car,a monumental invention had multiple inventors like Karl Benz and Henry Ford, and the airplane had the Wright brothers, Hiplife was not the work of a single individual. It was the result of a collaborative effort, with Zapp Mallet deserving recognition as a co-founder alongside Reggie Rockstone.

Hiplife has had a profound impact on Ghanaian society, not just musically, but also economically and culturally. The genre has been a significant source of employment for countless artists, producers, DJs, and industry professionals.

It has created opportunities for young Ghanaians to express themselves creatively and achieve financial independence. The success of Hiplife has also boosted related industries, such as fashion, media, and event management, contributing to the overall economic growth of the country.

Culturally, Hiplife has played a role in shaping Ghana's identity, particularly among the youth. The genre has served as a platform for social commentary, allowing artists to address issues such as corruption, poverty, and youth empowerment.

Hiplife's influence extends beyond just entertainment; it has been a contributory factor in Ghanaians being recognized as some of the happiest people in Africa and their hospitable nature. The infectious beats, relatable lyrics, and the communal experience of enjoying Hiplife music have all contributed to a sense of national pride and joy.

Hiplife's influence has not been confined to Ghana alone; it has had a significant impact on African music as a whole, particularly in Nigeria. The cross-pollination of musical ideas between Ghana and Nigeria has been a hallmark of West African music for decades.

Hiplife's fusion of traditional African sounds with modern hip-hop elements resonated with Nigerian artists, leading to the development of similar genres in Nigeria, such as Naija rap and Afropop.

This cross-cultural exchange has been particularly influential in the evolution of Afrobeat, a genre that has taken the world by storm in recent years. While Afrobeat originated with Fela Kuti in the 1970s, the modern interpretation of the genre has been heavily influenced by the sounds and production techniques pioneered in Hiplife.

The blending of African rhythms with contemporary global music trends, which is a hallmark of Afrobeat today, can be traced back to the innovations made in the Hiplife genre.

Despite these significant contributions, Zapp Mallet's role in the creation of Hiplife remains largely unrecognized. This is not just an oversight but a disservice to the history of Ghanaian music. Recognizing Mallet as a co-founder of Hiplife is not about diminishing Reggie Rockstone's contributions but rather about acknowledging the collaborative nature of musical innovation.

Inventions and creations often have multiple contributors. The invention of the car, for example, is attributed to several pioneers, including Karl Benz and Henry Ford, who each played different roles in its development and commercialization.

Hiplife is more than just a music genre; it is a cultural movement that has shaped Ghanaian society and influenced the broader African music scene. While Reggie Rockstone deserves his place in history as a pioneer of Hiplife, it is equally important to acknowledge the vital role played by Zapp Mallet.

By recognizing Mallet as a co-founder of Hiplife, we honor the collaborative spirit of music-making and ensure that the history of this influential genre is told accurately and fairly.

Is been 30 years of Hiplife and it is worth celebrating, however,the timing is right to do the right thing.Zapp has to be given his flowers likewise every other major contributor.It won't be out of place to have even 3 or 4 Co-Founders if the have earn that right, even as the genre is dormant as of now.