Ghanaian musician D-Black has urged the music industry to work together to revive Azonto music and restore it to its former prominence. In an interview on Asaase Rush Hour with Elvis Crystal, D-Black stated that Azonto had the potential to become a globally recognised Ghanaian music genre, particularly among Ghanaians in the diaspora. He attributed the genre's decline to the lack of a common agenda among artistes and industry stakeholders.
According to D-Black, the collective effort required to revive Azonto involves taking ownership of the genre and investing in its promotion. He emphasised that Ghanaian musicians need to work together to promote and protect Azonto. The musician's comments were echoed by E.L., who also featured on the programme. E.L. agreed that reviving Azonto would require a collective effort from artistes and other stakeholders across the music industry.
E.L. highlighted the perception associated with the name "Azonto" as one of the challenges facing the genre. He described the name as having connotations of being "ghetto", "crass", and "street" or referring to a person of low social status. This perception, E.L. argued, affects the genre's marketability internationally, as some people are reluctant to associate themselves with what the name represents.
E.L. suggested that deliberately rebranding Azonto could appear forced. Instead, he proposed that artistes should focus on creating the music and presenting it positively to audiences. E.L. also shared his previous attempt to revive the genre through a project dubbed Azonto Revival, but the initiative did not achieve the desired results.
D-Black and E.L. have also collaborated on an upcoming five-track album titled Dancing Machine, scheduled for release on 30 September 2026. The album is a testament to their commitment to creating music and promoting Azonto. The two musicians' efforts to revive the genre have sparked a renewed interest in Azonto music.
The call for a collective effort to revive Azonto music has resonated with industry stakeholders. Asaase Radio, a prominent Ghanaian radio station, has been at the forefront of promoting Ghanaian music, including Azonto. The station's platforms, including Asaase Rush Hour, provide a vital space for musicians and industry stakeholders to discuss and promote Ghanaian music.
The revival of Azonto music is crucial to Ghana's music industry, as it has the potential to contribute significantly to the country's cultural and economic growth. With a collective effort from artistes, industry stakeholders, and music enthusiasts, Azonto music can regain its place in the music industry and become a globally recognised Ghanaian music genre.
Key points
- D-Black calls for collective effort to revive Azonto music.
- E.L. highlights perception associated with Azonto name as a challenge.
- D-Black and E.L. collaborate on upcoming album, Dancing Machine.
