Tony Dath, a founding member of the Kumerica movement, has set the record straight regarding misconceptions that Kumerica is solely about hip-hop. Speaking on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, he emphasized that the movement represents a broad spectrum of musical styles, including Ghanaian highlife. Dath, who personally identifies with highlife, explained that Kumerica initially lost its identity due to different influences and lack of unity among its pioneers. He acknowledged that while hip-hop played a major role in propelling the movement, it should not be seen as its defining genre. Instead, he views Kumerica as a gateway for musicians to showcase diverse Ghanaian music to the world.
Dath elaborated on how the movement shaped the music industry, likening it to Kumawood’s impact on Ghanaian cinema. He pointed out that Kumerica was originally envisioned as an all-inclusive movement, but hip-hop gained prominence because its early adopters had a ready audience. However, he believes the time has come to change that perception. By embracing highlife and other traditional sounds, Dath hopes to correct the notion that Kumerica is strictly a hip-hop brand. He also emphasized the need for artists to be more intentional about preserving Ghana’s unique musical heritage while utilizing Kumerica as a platform to reach wider audiences.
The musician explained that Kumerica was intended to be a creative outlet, similar to Kumawood for the film industry. While hip-hop initially dominated due to its appeal to younger audiences, he believes now is the time to highlight other aspects of Kumerica’s musical diversity. Dath sees himself as a key figure in reshaping the narrative by using his platform to promote highlife. He stressed that the movement was always meant to be inclusive, offering opportunities for artists in different genres rather than being restricted to one sound.
As one of the movement's architects, Tony Dath is determined to expand Kumerica’s musical identity. His vision is to ensure that the movement serves as a platform for all Ghanaian music styles, not just hip-hop. He believes Kumerica can continue to evolve by integrating various genres, keeping the movement dynamic and relevant. His efforts underscore the importance of embracing Ghana’s musical diversity while ensuring Kumerica remains a vital force in the entertainment industry.
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