Jamaican reggae star – Musicians and gangster life never mix

Jamaican reggae star Kenyatta ‘Jr. Culture’ Hill has sent a strong message to Ghanaian dancehall heavyweights Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale, urging them to steer clear of the gangster lifestyle and focus solely on their music.

Speaking after his performance at the Kuchoko Roots Festival in Accra, Hill warned that wealth and fame could become dangerous distractions if not handled wisely.

“They’re musicians, and musicians and gangster life never mix. They’re public figures, and they must stop and think about what they’re doing,” he stated.

Kenyatta Hill pointed out that history has shown how feuds in the music industry can spiral out of control, citing past conflicts between dancehall legends like Bounty Killer and Beenie Man, Vybz Kartel and Mavado, and Shabba Ranks and Ninja Man. He urged Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale to avoid a similar path.

“If you’re making money, make your money and treat the people good. Don’t buy no guns because that’s where the next problem is. You buy guns with the money you worked hard for, be careful, because it will come back to your doorstep—and when it comes, it won’t be nice. If you’re gonna do music, do music. Leave badman life alone. Gangsters never live past 35. Think about it,” he cautioned.

Reggae’s Growth in Ghana: “Worlds Apart” from the Past

Beyond his cautionary message, Kenyatta Hill also shared his excitement about the growth of reggae music in Ghana, saying the difference between now and when he last visited with his late father, Joseph Hill of Culture fame, is “worlds apart.”

“Reggae music in Ghana has grown. When I came with my dad back then, it wasn’t like this, so I really love the growth,” he remarked.

He encouraged young Ghanaian artists to stay consistent and avoid chasing hype, emphasizing that reggae is not just about entertainment but about educating and inspiring people.

“I’m a reggae singer, and I stick to my demons. My demon is reggae music. We cannot forget where we’re coming from, or else we’ll never know where we’re heading. Young people, please don’t forget reggae music. You may say, ‘Oh, we can’t dance to it,’ but reggae is not about dancing—it’s about the message,” he said.

The Need to Rebrand Reggae Without Losing Its Essence

Kenyatta Hill also addressed the evolution of reggae music, stating that while styles and beats may change, the fundamental message must always remain the same.

“Rebranding reggae music helps. Just like life, it evolves—so if life evolves, everything that comes with life must evolve too. But the message will never change. No matter how the beats shift, the message remains peace, love, and harmony. That is my ultimate goal as a reggae musician,” he affirmed.

A Message of Empowerment to Ghanaians

Closing his remarks, Kenyatta Hill left a message for his Ghanaian fans, urging them to take control of their destiny rather than relying on external forces for change.

“Keep the music where it’s supposed to be, and never let anyone talk you down. You are in control of your destiny, so remember what Bob Marley said—emancipate yourself from mental slavery. None but ourselves can free our minds, so don’t expect the government to work a miracle for you. If you want to make money, make money. If you want to do music, do music. I don’t care what y’all do—just do the right thing,” he advised.

Reggae in Ghana: A Movement, Not a Trend

With the growing influence of reggae in Ghana, voices like Kenyatta Hill’s serve as a reminder of the genre’s deeper purpose. While Afrobeats and dancehall continue to dominate the mainstream, Hill’s words reinforce the importance of keeping reggae’s core message alive—not just as music, but as a movement for consciousness, empowerment, and unity.

His warning to Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale also speaks to a larger conversation about music, influence, and responsibility in Africa’s entertainment industry. As reggae and dancehall continue to evolve, the question remains: will artists embrace music as a tool for change, or will industry feuds and distractions derail their legacies?