Ghanaian hip-hop and Afrobeats artistes D-Black and E.L have spoken about the decline of Azonto music. They attribute the decline to a lack of unity and collective effort within the Ghanaian music industry. In an interview with Elvis Crystal on Asaase Rush Hour, D-Black stated that Azonto was a genre that should have been carried and promoted by all Ghanaian artistes. He noted that Azonto gained popularity worldwide, particularly among Ghanaians in the diaspora, and had strong roots in Ga communities such as Nungua.
According to D-Black, the division among artistes and the lack of a common agenda contributed to the genre's decline. He believes that if Ghanaian artistes had come together and worked towards a common goal, they could have taken Azonto to the next level and protected the genre's identity. E.L also spoke on the origins and decline of Azonto, stating that the genre originated from Ghana but was eventually embraced by Nigerian artistes, who toured with the music during that era.
E.L mentioned that Nigerian artiste Wizkid rode on the popularity of Azonto music and tracks to tour the world. He recalled American artiste Chris Brown making a video suggesting that Azonto music originated from Nigeria. E.L stated that Ghanaians did not claim and promote Azonto strongly enough until the genre had already begun to decline. He added that there was little recognition of the decline until it was too late, while Afrobeats also took a significant share of the industry's attention.
D-Black noted that before the rise of Azonto, Reggie Rockstone was the only artiste he believed could lay claim to a Ghanaian music genre. However, he said the industry failed to safeguard Azonto when it became popular. E.L said he does not apportion blame to anyone, describing the situation as a collective responsibility that the Ghanaian music industry failed to handle effectively.
E.L believes Azonto has not disappeared completely, adding that he continues to represent the genre and enjoys making Azonto music. He stated that the genre was turned into something else, citing the example of Akayida, which contributed to its decline. E.L also mentioned that Nigerians came and claimed Azonto as their own, further contributing to its decline.
The discussion on Azonto's decline highlights the need for unity and collective effort within the Ghanaian music industry. D-Black and E.L's comments suggest that the industry's failure to work together led to the decline of a popular genre. The interview on Asaase Rush Hour provides insight into the history and decline of Azonto music.
The Azonto genre was a significant part of Ghanaian music history, and its decline serves as a lesson for the industry. E.L and D-Black's comments emphasize the importance of collective effort and unity in promoting and protecting Ghanaian music genres. The discussion also highlights the impact of external factors, such as Afrobeats, on the Ghanaian music industry.
Key points
- - Ghanaian artistes D-Black and E.L discuss the decline of Azonto music. - The decline is attributed to a lack of unity and collective effort within the Ghanaian music industry. - Azonto has not disappeared completely, with E.L continuing to represent the genre.
