King Lagazee, the eight-time Reggae/Dancehall DJ of the Year, has opened up about the challenges he faces as a leading advocate for reggae and dancehall music in Ghana.
Speaking in a candid interview with Kofi Hayford on the black carpet at the 2025 Guinness Ghana DJ Awards launch, King Lagazee reflected on the hard work, perseverance, and passion that have shaped his remarkable career.
He recalled the sleepless nights, the struggle, and the pain he and others have endured to keep reggae and dancehall alive in Ghana. Having represented the country in high-profile sound clash competitions in Jamaica and earned gigs internationally, King Lagazee highlighted both the recognition and obstacles faced by Ghanaian artists on the global stage.
One main highlight of his interview was a direct comment on his recent visa refusal. King Lagazee revealed that he was supposed to be in Austria for a performance but could not go after the Dutch embassy in Ghana denied his visa application, citing a lack of “surety of return.” Visibly frustrated, he addressed the embassy:
“Some of us, we don’t step into your country to come and stay. We just want to work and come back. We love Ghana, we love our country. I have a wife and children. There’s no way I’d leave Ghana to go and stay abroad.”
King Lagazee’s statement calls attention to the visa challenges many Ghanaian artists face when seeking to perform internationally despite clear ties back home and a proven track record. He urged embassies to reconsider their approach to genuine DJs and artists who help fly Ghana’s flag high abroad, expressing disappointment at missing the Austria gig due to these administrative hurdles.
The celebrated DJ also spoke about his ongoing commitment to uplifting the reggae and dancehall scene in Ghana, calling for greater recognition and support. With this year’s Guinness Ghana DJ Awards set to spotlight sound clash culture, King Lagazee boldly claimed there is no contender in Ghana or Africa who can match his achievements.
As the awards season heats up, King Lagazee’s story shines a light on both the triumphs and the barriers in advancing Ghana’s music globally.
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