Ghanaian Dancehall Spotlight : Jupitar General

The story of Ghanaian dancehall begins with the rise of reggae music in the late 1970s. Inspired by the powerful voices of Jamaican icons like Bob Marley (Bob Marley's wife, Rita Marley, has spent more than 20 years residing in Ghana. In the 1990s, she relocated to Ghana with Bob Marley's family ) and Peter Tosh, Ghanaians found a deep resonance with reggae, seeing parallels between the Jamaican experience and their own history of colonialism and struggle. The local Rastafarian communities played a pivotal role in nurturing this bond, and soon, youth from the Zongos began to champion this emerging genre. Much like in Jamaica, these young artists expressed their socio-cultural challenges and political dissent through their music.

Abeejah O’Mint, better known as Jupitar or Jupitar General, has swiftly ascended as a standout in the spheres of Reggae, Dancehall, and Afrobeats within Ghana. Emerging in 2011, Jupitar has left an indelible mark on Africa's dancehall canvas, characterized by his genuine tunes and mesmerizing performances. His initial breakout track, "Nah Touch Again" in 2010, catapulted him into the spotlight, prompting many to marvel at his distinctly African origin.

2013 was a rewarding year for him; he clinched the "Discovery of the Year" titles at both the Reggae/Dancehall BASS Awards and the MTN 4Syte Music Video Awards. By 2017, he garnered a nomination at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, enthralling fans with a riveting live band show. Between 2015-16, his hit single "Enemies," featuring Sarkodie, resonated not just within Ghana but also far beyond its borders. This achievement led him to several nominations and eventually a win for "Best Collaboration of the Year" at the Ghana Music Awards UK (GMAUK).

Jupitar's collaboration with one of Nigeria's dancehall heavyweights, PatoRanking, on "Whine" garnered vast online attention. In 2017, he clinched the title of Best African Artist at the Urban Music Awards U.K, competing with notable names like Wizkid, Mr. Eazi, and Tiwa Savage, among others. 2018 saw him being recognized as the top Dancehall act at the NELAs Award in the U.K., outshining peers like Shatta Wale and Burna Boy. He's also marked as a performer for JA Sting 2023.

This was a great interview! Ghana to THE WORLD!

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