Renowned Ghanaian dancehall artiste Stonebwoy fired back at critics who claim that the dancehall genre is detrimental to the country's music industry.

In a recent interview on Hitz Fm, Stonebwoy argued that dancehall festivals, in particular, have a profoundly positive impact on the economy, generating substantial revenue across various sectors.

"Dancehall has put money in the pockets of hotels and airlines that bring foreigners to the country. It pays people to work during that week and creates numerous job opportunities," he stated.

Stonebwoy says dancehall music supports many people's livelihoods and is not the cause of problems in Ghana's music industry.

 He thinks some people criticise dancehall because they believe Ghanaian music should be only one type. But Stonebwoy disagrees, saying that having different types of music is important.

"I do not believe in that at all. Even if I used to, I don’t anymore. The idea of having one genre to push Ghanaian music is unrealistic. We need everyone," he explained.

Stonebwoy pointed to the United States, a global leader in the entertainment industry, as an example of a country that thrives on musical diversity. He noted that the US does not promote a single genre, instead embracing a wide range of styles.

According to Stonebwoy, Ghanaian artistes should be free to explore different genres, such as afrobeat, dancehall, or hip hop, without fear of criticism or judgment. He pointed out that embracing diversity is key to growth and success in the music industry.

"A country blessed with a rich cultural heritage should be allowed to express it in diverse ways," he stated.