AT this year’s Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs) in May, one thing stood out: almost every artiste had a hype man on stage.

Their task was simple but powerful—fuel the energy, connect with the crowd through chants and call-and-response, and keep the atmosphere charged between verses.

While the role is only now gaining prominence in Ghana, OgeeTheMC, the longtime hype man for Dancehall heavyweight Stonebwoy, insists his boss pioneered the movement.

In an interview with Graphic Showbiz, OgeeTheMC who has worked with Stonebwoy for over a decade dared anyone to challenge his claim.

“Some years back, the industry didn’t care about hype men. Today, it has become part of performance culture. But let’s not forget those who made it attractive when no one cared. And here, I boldly name my boss, Stonebwoy, as the pioneer. The records are there.”

“At least, at this year’s TGMA, we witnessed artistes performing with hype men and that was very refreshing. But that is not to say that those who worked to get it to this stage, when initially it wasn’t accepted and appreciated, should not be given their flowers”, he added.

 OgeeTheMC’s journey with Stonebwoy began in 2012 when they met at an event and struck up an acquaintance. Two years later, by what he describes as “divine orchestration,” he became part of his team and eventually Stonebwoy’s hype man.

Before then, Ogee, real name Bright Fosu Danquah, had built a reputation as a master of ceremonies, hosting school events, community shows and parties. What began as a fun pastime while studying at Takoradi Technical University soon revealed his natural charisma and crowd-control skills.

The role of the hype man is often misunderstood. More than just shouting on stage, hype men act as the bridge between artiste and audience, sustaining the energy and keeping performances lively. Ogee believes the growing recognition of their value proves how far the craft has come.

Looking back, Ogee admits his path was not easy. When he started, many dismissed the hype man role as unnecessary and laughed off his ambitions. Today, the same craft has become a source of inspiration for younger talents who now seek his guidance.

“People mocked me, saying I was not serious and clueless,” he recalled. “But I knew I was building something. Today, young artistes even reach out to me for mentorship. It wasn’t like that when I started. That alone makes the journey worthwhile,” he said proudly.

He argues that while Nigerian acts such as Tiwa Savage helped normalise the concept after performing with a hype man at an edition of Ghana Meets Naija concert, it was Stonebwoy who laid the groundwork locally. Stonebwoy was the first to consistently use a hype man on Ghana’s big stages and urged Ghanaian acts to toe the line.

“Ghana is always relaxed when it comes to versatility in our creative space,” he explained. “But Stonebwoy saw the potential early and gave me the platform. That changed everything.”

For Ogee, his story is not just about personal vindication but also about loyalty to the artiste who believed in him. Over a decade later, his bond with Stonebwoy remains unbroken.

“I will always applaud Stonebwoy for setting the pace for others to follow. I’m grateful for the opportunity, and nothing can destroy the bond we’ve built,” he said.