Reggie Rockstone (Reginald Osei, the Godfather of Hiplife) is a rapper of Ghanaian descent, born in Ghana but lived his early years in the United States. He has been living in Ghana continuously since he pioneered the Hip-Life movement in 1994. He pioneered the Hiplife art form and has played an important role in the development of this uniquely African genre in Ghana's capital Accra. He raps in Twi and English.[1] In 2004, Rockstone won the Kora Award for the best African Video and he performed in front of a 50,000 person crowd in Ghana, together with Shaggy.[2] In 2006 he recorded a track with the Jamaican Dancehall singer Beenie Man called 'Chukku Chakka' (in reference to Rockstone's 1999 hit, 'Eye Mo De Anaa', which sampled Fela Kuti). Reggie Rockstone is the Son of legendary Fashion designer, Ricky 'Ricci' Osei (Saint Osei).
Contents |
Reggie's style incorporates and reflects the call and response approach which runs through African music and has a long history. His song Agoo off the Maka Maka album reflects this approach vividly. Fundamentally a storyteller, Reggie has attempted to tell the story of contemporary Ghana from an urban perch: the struggles,contradictions, triumphs and hopes. "NightLife in Accra" is one track which delineates the socio-political concerns of Reggie's artistic endeavours.
Other Ventures
After enjoying enormous success in the entertainment industry as one of the greatest rappers of all time and the forerunner of the genre “HipLife”, Reggie now takes a new turn as the CEO of Rockstone’s Office formerly known as Office Night club. This hangout is a blend of club and pub so he terms it “PLUB”. PLUB is a self coined word from Pub and Club used by Reggie to define his new hangout in the heart of the business city of Accra. A serene and exclusive PLUB that is structured to answer all your club and Pub needs. He is also an ambassador for Globacom Ghana ltd a telecommunication giant in Africa. Reggie Rockstone exudes high sense of fashion, style and sophistication. He is now the leader of a new youth revolution dubbed "Beyond The Tunnel". It is a youth empowerment program organised by NewMax Company LTD(www.newmaxcompany.com) to empower the youth to always wait on their turn for greatness and never give up. This program is organised in the universities in Ghana in the form of a public lecture.
Rockstone recorded for albums for the Kassa Records label and one for MixerPot: