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Ghanaian hiplife icon Reggie Rockstone has turned the spotlight on South Africa’s music industry, challenging its biggest stars to speak out against the latest wave of xenophobic attacks sweeping parts of the country.
During a live broadcast, the self-styled “Godfather of Hiplife” questioned why many influential South African musicians have remained conspicuously quiet while fellow Africans face hostility and violence.
“South Africa, I’m looking at you. I’m looking at the musicians. You gotta say something,” Reggie declared, refusing to mince words.
The veteran entertainer argued that artists possess immense cultural influence and should be among the first voices calling for peace, unity, and accountability when injustice rears its head.
“What are you doing? You’re going to not say nothing? You ain’t said anything, or at least I haven’t seen any action,” he said.
Far from hiding his intentions, Reggie admitted he was deliberately applying pressure.
“Yes, I am guilt-tripping y’all. Yes, I am,” he remarked candidly.
Drawing from history, Rockstone reminded audiences that musicians once played a pivotal role in rallying global support against apartheid. He recalled how artists across continents used music as a weapon of resistance and solidarity during South Africa’s darkest years.
“When Mandela and apartheid happened, we sang. We made music against apartheid,” he noted.
For Reggie, the lesson is simple: if music could unite the world against apartheid, today’s artists should be equally vocal in confronting xenophobia and other social injustices.
He also pointed to the warm reception South African performers routinely receive across Africa, particularly in Ghana, where they are often embraced with open arms.
“I’ve seen South African artists come to Ghana, and we welcome them because we are a very welcoming people. Therefore, I expect something to happen,” he said.
But his appeal wasn’t directed solely at South Africa. Reggie called on musicians across the continent—from Afrobeats heavyweights to Ghanaian hitmakers—to use their platforms to champion African unity and reject division.
“Something has got to happen,” he stressed, underscoring music’s enduring power to inspire action and bring people together.
His comments arrive amid renewed concern over xenophobic attacks in South Africa, with growing calls for stronger protections for foreign nationals and a renewed commitment to Pan-African ideals.
Since making the remarks, Rockstone has sparked lively debate online, with many social media users applauding his stance and echoing his call for artists to become more outspoken on issues affecting Africans beyond the recording studio.
