Azonto, a vibrant music genre and dance style that emerged in Ghana in 2010 and beyond, became a cultural phenomenon for Ghanaians all over the world.
Recognised for its fast tempo, heavy percussion, and distinct dance moves involving expressive hand and arm movements, Azonto quickly took over the music scene.
The genre’s infectious beats and energetic choreography captivated audiences far beyond Ghana’s borders.
During this time, several Ghanaian artistes rose to fame, creating anthems that became synonymous with the Azonto movement.
Here’s a look at ten artistes and their hit songs that played pivotal roles in making the Azonto era unforgettable.
Sarkodie
When the Azonto movement took over Ghana’s music scene in the early 2010s, one name stood out as a key figure in its global success, Sarkodie.
His 2011 hit ‘You Go Kill Me,’ featuring EL, became an iconic track that defined the Azonto era.
Following this, Sarkodie released several more Azonto hits, including Dangerous featuring EL, solidifying his position as one of the genre’s major ambassadors.
He later dropped ‘Gogo Woho’, Azonto Fiesta with Kesse and Appietus, a song that further celebrated the dance culture and kept the Azonto energy alive.
Gasmilla
Widely regarded as a key originator of the sound that defined Azonto, Gasmilla played a crucial role in shaping the genre.
Known as the ‘International Fisherman’, his 2011 hit Aboodatoi is often credited as the first authentic Azonto song.
The track quickly became a street anthem and helped fuel the Azonto craze.
Gasmilla followed up with Telemo, another massive hit that not only kept Azonto culture alive but also became a national anthem.
EL
As one of Ghana’s most versatile music producers and rappers, EL had a significant hand in shaping the Azonto sound, bringing it to international acclaim.
EL did not just produce Azonto beats behind the scenes, he also delivered hits of his own, like the Azonto banger ‘Kaalu’.
The track dominated airwaves and dance floors across the country, and he followed it up with hits like Obuu Mo, among others.
He also sang the catchy hook for the popular Azonto hit ‘You Go Kill Me’, further cementing his place as one of the genre’s architects.
Yaw Siki
Yaw Siki was another early pioneer of Azonto, contributing to its raw street vibe with his hit song ‘Wope Dodo’ in 2011.
Produced by Ghanaian legend Okomfour Kwadee, the track captured the energetic essence of the Azonto era.
However, after a near-fatal accident in 2013, Yaw Siki left secular music and transitioned to preaching the gospel, although his contributions to the Azonto movement remain unforgettable.
Fuse ODG
Fuse ODG played a monumental role in taking Azonto beyond the shores of Ghana.
Based in the UK, the Ghanaian artiste was integral in introducing Azonto to the global stage.
His 2012 hit ‘Azonto’ was an international smash that not only popularised the dance but also introduced the Ghanaian sound to Europe.
He followed up with hits like ‘Antenna’ and ‘Million Pound Girl’, which, although not purely Azonto, were heavily influenced by the genre.
Tiffany
Amid the male dominance of the Azonto era, Tiffany was one of the few female artistes who made a significant impact.
It was her collaboration with Fuse ODG on the global hit ‘Azonto’ that solidified her place as a key figure in the movement.
Tiffany also released ‘Last One’, featuring Castro, another popular track that contributed to the Azonto wave.
Criss Waddle
As one of the most influential rappers of his time, Criss Waddle was a key player in the Azonto era.
He blended rap with the Azonto sound, producing unforgettable hits.
His song ‘Ayi’, featuring Bisa Kdei, became one of the most popular tracks of the era.
Criss Waddle also worked closely with other Azonto pioneers like R2bees and Sarkodie, helping to push the genre’s boundaries.
Stay Jay
Another important figure in the Azonto movement was Stay Jay, who helped solidify Azonto’s place in Ghana’s music scene.
His 2011 hit ‘Shashee Wowo’, produced by Mix Master Garzy, became an instant street anthem.
The track was a must-play at parties, clubs, and social gatherings during the peak of the Azonto era.
Stay Jay continued to release Azonto-inspired tracks, such as ‘Twaame Lala,’ further cementing his place in the movement.
Guru
Guru could arguably be considered one of the most influential artistes of the Azonto era, with back-to-back hits that became anthems on the streets of Ghana.
His 2011 release ‘Lapaz Toyota’, produced by Ball J, became one of the genre’s biggest hits.
Guru followed it up with ‘Alkayida’, another massive hit that introduced a new dance style inspired by Azonto, keeping the movement alive and thriving.
Buk Bak
Even before Azonto became a mainstream trend, the legendary music duo, Buk Bak, had already laid the foundation for the genre with their unique style of hiplife.
When the Azonto wave took over the world, Buk Bak was quick to tap into it, releasing ‘Kolom’, one of the biggest hits of the era.
As pioneers of the hiplife genre, Buk Bak’s entry into the Azonto movement played a major role in boosting the genre’s popularity.
AK/EB