MUSICIAN Yaw Dhope isn’t just dropping a new single; he’s trying to start a movement. With his latest release, Ramputu Freestyle, featuring Bogo Blay, the artiste is making a strong case for homegrown music styles.

Speaking with the Graphic Showbiz on Tuesday, January 20, Dhope expressed his desire to see Ghanaians embrace and actively promote Ragga Rap—a high-energy hybrid of Ragga and Rap he’s been honing since 2018.

He noted that while the debate about Ghana championing Highlife isn’t a bad call, the competition on the global stage requires Ghana to go beyond being recognised for Highlife and embrace other music styles that elevate the country's image globally.

Yaw Dhope said Ghanaian music had lots of potential and that locals should take ownership of the various styles and genres.

“It's difficult for people to accept change or when you want to bring in something new, but I think Ragga Rap should be supported since it is something that we can push.

“Today, we are all enjoying Highlife, Afrobeats, Ragga, Hip-Hop, Hiplife, among other genres because someone tested their creativity and musicians tapped into it.

“Reggie Rockstone is honoured for pioneering Hiplife. But I’m very sure he had some opposition at the time, but we all saw the results.

“It became the most popular music style in Ghana in the late 90s and early 2000s and discovered great talents such as Obrafour, Lord Kenya and TicTac, who ruled the airwaves at the time.

“And this is why I’m charging Ghanaians to support this genre not only to grow but also to showcase Ghana's rich musical diversity,” he added.

This is not the first time a Ghanaian musician has invented a new music style. In the early 2000s, Hiplife act Sony Achiba introduced Hip-Dia, a blend of Hip-Hop, Hiplife and an Indian style of music, and in 2014, rapper D Cryme also brought Twi-Pop. Both genres didn't see the light of day.

Although he didn't speak particularly to the misfortune of those genres, Yaw Dhope is confident Ragga-Rap isn't going to suffer the same fate. This is because the genre has gained momentum since its inception in 2018.

According to the old student of the Abuakwa State College (ABUSCO), the response to his new sound has been encouraging, with many people already embracing the style.

 “I just want Ghanaians and the whole world to know this style. I started experimenting with Ragga Rap in 2018 but started getting attention in 2025. This means the support is there and with a little push, Ghana can boast of a new genre,” he said.

He told Graphic Showbiz he is not limited to Ragga Rap but has chosen to focus on it because it is relatively new and fresh.

“I can do other music styles, but I decided to be creative and merge Ragga and Rap, and the response has been great.

“People are giving me a listening ear. It’s a journey I’ve started. I just want Ghanaians and the whole world to know this style. Already, I’ve seen people hopping on the style and it’s a joy to watch. I think it is something we all can push to succeed,” he added.