Ghanaian dance songs has dominated the African continent and gained international recognition due to its dance rhythm and classical jazz influence. From the reign of the great Osibisa to our modern stars, the Ghanaian music industry has recorded massive hits – mostly dance music.
Highlife, Hiplife, Ragga, Afro-pop, Afro-Dancehall, Azonto and Afrobeats are among the list of top genres Ghanaian musicians have made hits from and also sold to the world.
Aside Gyedu Blay Ambolley, Paapa Yankson, Paa Solo, Daddy Lumba, Nana Akyeampong, Reggie Rockstone, Chief G and Mobile Boys who rocked the world in the 90s, we have bunch of talents today who are making dance songs very popular. The likes of Fuse ODG, Sarkodie, Kontihene, VIP, R2Bees, Jay Ghartey, AJ Nelson, Efya, Nana Yaa, Wiyaala, Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy, Jupitar, Bisa Kdei, EL, SP Kofi Sarpong, Obaapa Christy, MzVee, Kaakie, Samini are among the top Ghanaian artistes who are entertaining the masses with dance songs.
Pulse Ghana has compiled a list of top 10 old and new Ghanaian dance music that have moved the world on its feet.
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1. Aben Wo Aha by Daddy Lumba
Daddy Lumba’s hit single “Aben Wo Aha” reshaped the Ghanaian industry in 1998 and in fact, gave Ghanaians something to celebrate the year’s Christmas with. Despite the controversy over the song’s profane lyrics, all DJs placed it first on their playlist. The vibe in the song isn’t finished and you can listen to it over and over again.
2. Simi Rapp by Gyedu Blay Ambolley
Gyedu Blay Ambolley, one of Ghana’s music delights has once given us a good time. “Simi Rapp”, a Highlife song which sounds almost Hiplife has a fast-tempo beat that moves listeners willy-nilly. Even as old as it is, when it drops at the birthday parties, naming and wedding ceremonies, pubs or clubs, you will be shocked with the response. He’s truly a legend and his music will never die.
3. Esi by Kontihene
Kontihene was once a king in the Ghana music industry due to the release of his numerous dance music hits including “Esi”. With simple chorus and rap, “Esi” was enjoyed everywhere and even travelled outside the country. Since this hit, Kontihene has grabbed many prestigious awards and had other hits also.
4. Away by VIP
“If your girlfriend no dey do you well…away!” was everyone’s favourite line from the dance song titled “Away” performed by VIP (now VVIP). The song was a massive hit in 2010-2011 music year and it helped the group to win the “Artiste of the Year” award at Ghana Music Awards 2011.
“U Go Kill Me” by Sarkodie featuring EL is one of the industry’s greatest hits and dance music. The infectious song which was produced by Kaywa helped Sarkodie to reach new fan base milestone. The song crossed the shores of Ghana and remixed featuring top Nigerian stars. The song which was produced by Appietus has a beautiful video that is still good for view despite the release date.
6. Antenna by Fuse ODG
Afrobeats track “Antenna” boosted Fuse ODG’s career and shot him to fame due to its perfect promotional strategy. Everyone learned the official dance by Fuse ODG’s dancers. The song was really a hit and even had two different remixes. The song topped many charts in and outside Ghana and it still sounds fresh.
7. Seihor by Castro featuring D-Black
Though Castro is missing, “Seihor” will never go missing. The award-winning song which features D-Black hit massively and the response from the masses were simply awesome. Till this day, no one knows where Castro is, but we all know where “Seihor” is – it’s in our minds.
8. Telemo by Gasmilla
“Telemo”, an Afro-pop song performed by Gasmilla ruled two good years – 2014 and 2015 and still ruling. Ghanaians are still enjoying the song even though it lost its place at the 2016 VGMAs due to eligibility issue.
9. Ekiki Mi by Wisa featuring Luther
You can forget everything about “Ekiki Mi” but you can’t forget the line “Make you give it to me…for the one corner there”. This is the song which shot the Hiplife artiste, Wisa, to fame. Even though it’s old, Ghanaians are still jamming to the track and despite all the controversy around the artiste, Ghanaians and people outside the country love the dance song.
10. Kakai by Shatta Wale
“Kakai”, an Afro-Dancehall track performed by Shatta Wale will never have an expiry date. Even a one year-old kid can sing and dance to the song. The song has reached abroad and making massive waves out there.