Appietus Warns of Potential Ghana-South Africa Clash Over ‘Amapiano’ Ownership
Award-winning Ghanaian music producer and sound engineer, Appiah Dankwah, popularly known as Appietus, has predicted that Ghanaians may soon find themselves in a dispute with South Africans over the ownership of the music genre ‘Amapiano.’
Amapiano, originating from South Africa around 2010, blends elements of jazz and deep house. It has gained popularity among some Ghanaian musicians, leading to its increasing adoption in the country’s music scene.
Appearing as a special guest on “The Chat” show hosted by Ekow Koomson on Channel One TV, Appietus expressed concerns about Ghanaians’ inclination to emulate foreign music styles rather than fostering their own unique musical identity. He lamented the abandonment of Highlife, Ghana’s traditional music genre, in favor of competing with other nations’ music forms.
“Ghana is noted for Highlife but has abandoned it. We don’t have an identity. We are wrestling with Jamaicans over Dancehall and Reggae, and with Nigerians over Afrobeat. Where is our identity?” he questioned.
Appietus stressed the importance of establishing a distinct Ghanaian musical identity. He forewarned that the lack of this identity might soon lead Ghanaians to claim ownership of Amapiano, potentially causing friction with South Africans.
“Ghanaians will soon fight with South Africans over Amapiano. Yes, soon Ghanaians will start claiming ownership of Amapiano from South Africans. We have nothing, so we keep fighting over what others have coined,” he opined.
Known for his signature catchphrase “Appietus in the mix,” Appietus has produced over 200 hit songs, making him a significant figure in the Ghanaian music industry. His remarks highlight a broader conversation about cultural preservation and innovation within Ghana’s evolving musical landscape.
