Dancehall has a new king?
Ghanian Dancehall artiste Epixode is being dragged online after he claimed to be the King of the Dancehall. This popular moniker has been bestowed on artists like Beenie Man and Vybz Kartel in the dancehall space.
The artiste was announced the winner for Best Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year at the 22nd Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) in Ghana over the weekend. Rightfully, he was in a celebratory mood as he posted on his Twitter account, “KING OF THE DANCEHALL..thank you Ghana.”
However, the post rubbed Jamaicans the wrong way as they questioned who the artiste was since he was relatively unknown to Jamaicans as a dancehall artiste.
The title of King of Dancehall has been a contentious issue within the dancehall space as many feel that while Beenie Man has held the title since it was developed, over time, it is Vybz Kartel who deserved to have the title because of his versatility and ability to adapt to the evolution of dancehall music.
Jamaican dancehall fans also seemed to feel the same way- “AHT AHT Nobody outside of Jamaica gets this title. Exit left,” one person commented.
“King of the who?” one person posted along with a meme of Beenie Man with a perplexed look on his face.
Others, however, ran jokes that Beenie Man had changed up his appearance. “So awu laugh after Beenie Man belly and he change everything? Can’t even recognize him now,” one person said.
KING OF THE DANCEHALL .. thank u Ghana pic.twitter.com/IIdDtAVJYB
— EPIXODE – de LASTDON (@epixodemusic) June 27, 2021
Why people vex say I said I am the KING OF DANCEHALL ? pic.twitter.com/QWQiDIgnCa
— EPIXODE – de LASTDON (@epixodemusic) June 29, 2021
he ain’t the king of dancehall either … pic.twitter.com/nqODV4xyOo
— ní (@shanshanicex) June 28, 2021
… A must one village in Ghana name “dancehall” den
— ??D’jangotron (@1kingstonprince) June 28, 2021
Prison really change a man huh? Kartel look different here suh
— Bi ya rui ?? (@weedngrabbaa) June 28, 2021
King of what sir? Please leave Jamaica business alone. Respectfully.
— IG: msjayexo (@MsJayeBL) June 28, 2021
Don’t be disrespectful, who the hell is that? And anuh Beenie or Kartel
— Bannece (@annecebannece) June 28, 2021
Why are their king of dancehall awards without Jamaicans involved. That seems like cultural appropriation
— Western Union is Closed (@MackMaajah) June 28, 2021
