International afrobeats singer, Davido surprised the sold-out crowd at his Timeless Concert at Madison Square Garden when he brought out BET Award-winning Dancehall & afropop singer Stonebwoy.
The duo performed an electrifying rendition of their chart-topping collaboration, “Activate,” much to the delight of the ecstatic audience. The energy in the room was heated as fans sang along to every word, creating a unifying and unforgettable moment.
The performance showcased the synergy between the two artists, making it a highlight of the night. It also further solidifies the bond between Stonebwoy and Nigerian artists, demonstrating their shared commitment to uplifting the African music scene on a global stage. Noted for sharing the spotlight with Nigerian artists, the Ghanaian singer recently brought out Nigerian rapper Odumodu Blvck for an exclusive performance of their new single “Ekelebe” at the closing ceremony of the African Games in Ghana.
Stonebwoy is currently a recipient of Sixteen (16) nominations at the 2024 Ghana Music Awards, which is scheduled for June 1. His nomination spans various categories, including the ultimate prize Artiste of the Year, coveted awards such as Best Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year and Best Song Writer of the Year.
His ground-breaking 2023 album ‘5Th Dimension’ is up for Best Album/EP of the Year, ‘Into The Future’ has received three nominations for Best Music Video, Most Popular Song of the Year, and Best Afropop Song. ‘Mandozi’, an ancestral conscientiousness collaboration with the most-decorated voice in Afropop music, Angelique Kidjo, has garnered nominations for Best Highlife Song, Best International Collaboration of the Year, Record of the Year and Best Music Video of the Year, while ‘Non-Stop’ is up for Best Reggae/Dancehall Song.
Additionally, his features with KiDi on ‘Liquor’ and Fameye ‘Not God’ remix, also received nominations in Most Popular Song of the Year, Collaboration of the Year and Best Afropop Song categories, respectively. These nominations underscore the breadth and depth of Stonebwoy’s influence on the contemporary music scene in Ghana.
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Afro-dancehall sensation Stonebwoy has inked a global distribution and label services deal with ADA Worldwide, the independent labeL and artist services arm of Warner Music Group. The Ghanaian star’s latest single, “Ekelebe,” is out today, featuring breakout Nigerian rapper Odumodublvck. The partnership with ADA, which is through Stonebwoy’s own Burniton Music Group, also covers Stonebwoy’s upcoming sixth studio album, slated for release later this year.
“This deal marks another stride forward in bringing my music to the global stage via ADA’s network,” Stonebwoy shared. “My aim has always been to unite people through the fusion of African music (Afrobeats), Reggae, Dancehall, RnB, and Hip Hop. They say creativity flourishes in freedom, so owning my creativity is essential for me to make a meaningful contribution to the global music landscape.”
“Stonebwoy is in a league of his own. His genre-blending style has resonated with millions of fans around the globe and he’s helped shine a light on the rich and vibrant sounds coming out of Africa,” said Cat Kreidich, President, ADA Worldwide. “He’s spreading positivity, love and unity with music that makes you move and makes you feel. We can’t wait to support his unique creative vision even further across the international stage.”
Casey Kobia, Stonebwoy’s Talent Manager, added, “I’m glad on behalf of KVO Talent to have brokered this global partnership between Warner Music’s ADA Worldwide and Stonebwoy’s label Burniton Music Group. The energy and excitement from the team at ADA since our first conversation has been just what is required to unlock the next chapter in Stonebwoy’s journey and I am grateful to have him join this family – special thanks to April Pope and Bryan Roberts for making this happen.”
Hailing from Ashaiman, Ghana, Stonebwoy’s music brings together a dynamic mix of afrobeats, reggae, and dancehall influences. The multi-faceted star has made his mark, with his 2017 album Epistles of Mama making him the first-ever Ghanaian artist to land on the Billboard World Albums chart and his 2023 album 5th Dimension debuting in the Top 10 on Billboard’s Reggae Albums chart. His hit single “Blessing” garnered over one million views on YouTube within 24 hours of its debut, making him the quickest Ghanaian artist to achieve that milestone on the platform, and he just recently became the first Ghanaian artist to rack up 100 million streams on Audiomack.
A critically-acclaimed talent, Stonebwoy is a featured artist on Jamaican reggae band Morgan Heritage’s Grammy-nominated album Avrakedabra, and his long list of collaborators also includes heavyweights such as Burna Boy, Stormzy, Keri Hilson, Sean Paul, Trey Songz, and more. Stonebwoy has taken home numerous awards throughout his career, including Best International Act at the BET Awards and Artist of the Year at the Ghana Music Awards. A natural live performer, he co-headlined the monumental Afrochella Festival (now Afrofuture) alongside Burna Boy in 2022 and has headlined shows in more than 15 countries around the globe over the past year, most recently taking the stage at the Rolling Cocoa Festival. An entrepreneur, Stonebwoy serves as the CEO of his own entertainment company, Burniton Music Group.
The deal marks a continuation of growth for ADA in the African music space following active partnerships with Africa’s leading digital music distribution company Africori and Nigeria’s most influential independent record label Chocolate City, among others.
The full list of nominations for the 25th annual Ghana Music Awards is out, with Stonebwoy as the leading nominee, with fifteen nods.
The Ghanaian reggae, dancehall and Afropop musician’s nominations come after having had a phenomenal run in the year under review, which saw him publish notable crossover hits, an album, stand-out music videos, headline international and local tours, with sold-out performances across America, Europe, UK, and Ghana, along with his dedication to championing life-changing charity initiatives in deprived communities across the country.
Stonebwoy’s nominations span various categories, including the ultimate prize Artiste of the Year, coveted awards such as Best Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year and Best Song Writer of the Year.
His ground-breaking 2023 album ‘5Th Dimension’ is up for Best Album/EP of the Year, ‘Into The Future’ has received three nominations for Best Music Video, Most Popular Song of the Year, and Best Afropop Song. ‘Mandozi’, an ancestral conscientiousness collaboration with the most-decorated voice in Afropop music, Angelique Kidjo, has garnered nominations for Best Highlife Song, Best International Collaboration of the Year, Record of the Year and Best Music Video of the Year, while ‘Non-Stop’ is up for Best Reggae/Dancehall Song.
Additionally, his features with KiDi on ‘Liquor’ and Fameye ‘Not God’ remix, also received nominations in Most Popular Song of the Year, Collaboration of the Year and Best Afropop Song categories, respectively. These nominations underscore the breadth and depth of Stonebwoy’s influence on the contemporary music scene in Ghana.
Within the last twelve months, Stonebwoy’s career has profited from innovation, passion, and a commitment to pushing artistic boundaries, which has undoubtedly solidified his role as a leading voice in enabling Ghana music on the international market.
Stonebwoy, born Livingstone Etse Satekla, is no stranger to success at the Ghana Music Awards. Having been the recipient of Artiste of the Year in 2015, earning recognition with ‘Vodafone Green’ and Music for Good awards respectively, as well as setting record as the Ghanaian artiste with most Reggae & Dancehall Artiste of the Year award wins (7), he has been described as the king of ragga and dancehallin’ for Africa in his career.
The awards, formerly known as the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMAs), are now referred to as the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs) following the announcement of the telco as the new headline sponsor. Marking its silver jubilee this year, the scheme spotlights and celebrates remarkable musical achievements by Ghanaian artists spanning various genres including highlife, hiplife, Afropop, and traditional music
The awards will be handed out in a live broadcast on June 1st, 2024.
Stonebwoy has released the video to his song ‘Apotheke’, off his ground-breaking multi-genre project 5TH DIMENSION.
‘Apotheke’ is described as “a high-octane collab buzzing with positive vibes”, featuring South Africa’s DJ Maphorisa, and is a dance-ready fusion of Afrobeats and amapiano. The song is a vibrant track that beautifully blends Stonebwoy’s afro-dancehall roots with DJ Maphorisa’s distinctive amapiano and house beats. Translating to “pharmacy” in German, the song serves as an ode to a captivating woman whose dance moves are akin to an irresistible drug.
The collaboration with Maphorisa was an organic one between friends. “Maphorisa and I have been friends in the industry for years,” says Stonebwoy. “I visited him in Sandton, and we immediately cooked up this contagious song together. He’s the perfect fit as this track fuses amapiano with fresh Afro-dancehall vibes.”
Directed by Kwaku Kwakye (KayStudios) and produced by DJ Maphorisa, the visuals for the song exude high-octane energy, enhancing its appeal with stunning, energetic scenes and dynamic performances by both artists. Filmed on the streets of London, Stonebwoy captures a lively party atmosphere with cameos from amapiano DJs, artists, and dancers such as Odumodu Blvck, Skyla, Musa Keys, and Gemini. “There’s no better way to represent a dance song that brings people good vibes than through a true-life event,” he remarks.
‘Apotheke’, credited with over 10 million streams across all platforms, stands out as a highlight single which has immensely contributed to the commercial success of Stonebwoy’s fifth studio album 5TH DIMENSION. Released on a major label and boasting an Angélique Kidjo feature, the 17-track body of work is grounded in his signature Afro-dancehall style while incorporating contemporary mainstream elements.
The video arrives as Stonebwoy celebrates the one-year anniversary of his 5th studio album, 5th Dimension. The globally acclaimed project included standout moments like Stonebwoy’s historic performance at Accra Sports Stadium (40,000 capacity with 15,000 additional on the pitch) and his recent show closing the All African Games (15,000 capacity).
Stonebwoy won the Best African Dancehall Entertainer award at the 2024 International Reggae & World Music Awards (IRAWMAs) held at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center in Florida, at the weekend.
Now in its 41st edition, the scheme acknowledges and honors the accomplishments and contributions of reggae and world music artists, including: songwriters, performers, promoters and musicians. Produced by Martin’s International, the scheme is committed to promoting greater participation and acceptance of Reggae, Caribbean and World Music, Internationally.
Acclaimed as Africa’s most decorated reggae and dancehall artiste, Stonebwoy beat competition from Patoranking (Nigeria), Redsan (Kenya), Star Zee (Sierra Leone), Shatta Wale (Ghana), and Winky D. (Zimbabwe/South Africa) to win his third IRAWMAs. His last IRAWMAs win came in 2020, where he was crowned the Best African Dancehall Entertainer. Prior to that, he was named IRAWMAs Most Promising Artiste at the 2016 edition of the presentation ceremony
Stonebwoy reacts:
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Martin’s International and IRAWMA for this esteemed honor, despite my absence at last weekend’s ceremony. This recognition is a direct reflection of my role as mouthpiece in powering afrodancehall into a globally accepted cultural phenomenom. Thank you for believing in my music and for allowing me to share my passion with the world.”
Born Livingstone Satekla, the award-winning Stonebwoy seamless blends Afropop, dancehall and reggae into a distinctive sound, identified as “Afro-dancehall”, that has seen him habitually publish runaway hits, making him Ghana’s leading name in music since 2012. With numerous awards amassed over the years, including seven Ghana Music Awards for Reggae & Dancehall Artiste of the Year, four AFRIMA awards, BET, Billboard Plaques, Nickelodeon Kids Choice, and more, he has maintained a continual presence in Africa’s music mainstream, firmly establishing the continent on the global musical map.
Elsewhere, Stonebwoy headlined the 2023 Africa Games closing ceremony put together by the African Union on March 23. He left the crowd buzzing and yearning for more after putting on a spectacular immersive 10-song set performance at the fully-packed 20,000-capacity University of Ghana Sports Stadium in Accra to close out this year’s continental multi-sport event held in Ghana.
BET award-winning and Africa’s most-decorated dancehall artist, Stonebwoy, was the headliner performer at the 2023 Africa Games closing ceremony put together by the African Union.
The internationally acclaimed touring artist left the crowd buzzing and yearning for more after putting on a spectacular immersive 9-song set performance at the fully-packed 20,000-capacity University of Ghana Sports Stadium in Accra to close out this year’s continental multi-sport event held in Ghana.
Running through songs such as “Manodzi,” “Kpokeke,” “Higher,” “Activate,” “Therapy,” “Overlord,” “Bawasaba,” “Apotheke,” and “Into the Future,” he brought his vibrant vibes and signature sound of afrobeats, reggae, and dancehall to the stadium, creating an unforgettable spectacle that thrilled fans at the stadium and those who watched from home.
The stadium’s energy surged twofold as his new collaborator ODUMODUBLVCK from Nigeria joined him for the premiere performance of their unreleased single “Ekelebe.”.
A household name across the African region and credited as the creator and driving force behind Afrodancehall’s ascent to global prominence, the multi-award-winning singer, songwriter, and performer has become a global phenomenon, entertaining colossal audiences in Africa, the United States, Europe, and beyond. While he has published massive global hits with “Into the Future,” “Activate,” and “Shuga,” as well as scoring success on bigger stages, his career took a major step up by playing to this substantial audience at the 2023 African Games closing ceremony.
Elsewhere, Stonebwoy was crowned the “Best African Dancehall Entertainer” at the recently concluded 41st International Reggae & World Music Awards 2024 held in Jamaica, just before his performance at the Africa Games closing ceremony. This accolade adds to his impressive collection of previous IRAWMA wins, including “Most Promising Artiste” in 2016 and “Best African Dancehall Entertainer” in 2020.
BET Award-winning and Afropop singer, songwriter and producer, Stonebwoy, will headline the 2023 African Games, Accra closing ceremony on 23 March at University of Ghana Sports Stadium in Accra.
Known for his global chart-topping hits ‘Into The Future’ and ‘Activate’, the Ghanaian-international star will bring his energy and signature sound of afrobeats, reggae and dancehall to thousands of fans before other the events on the night. Stonebwoy is poised to deliver a show-stopping performance that will close the fifteen-day exciting contests of brain and brawn by 5000 elite athletes and coaches from fifty-five African countries in twenty-nine selected sports codes.
Born Livingstone Satekla, the award-winning Stonebwoy seamless blends Afropop, dancehall and reggae into a distinctive sound, identified as “Afro-dancehall”, that has seen him habitually publish runaway hits, making him Ghana’s leading name in music since 2012. With international touring, standout collaborations, and chart-topping albums, the decorated artiste has ensured continual presence in Africa’s music mainstream, while placing the continent firmly on the musical map.
Stonebwoy, music artist
“As a pan-Africanist music artist who has consistently represented Ghana and the African continent at every stage throughout my career, it is truly an honor to be chosen to perform at the closing ceremony of the 2023 African Games. This event holds immense significance in celebrating African talent and fostering unity among nations. Rest assured, I am committed to bringing vibrant energy and electrifying vibes to the stage, ensuring that Saturday’s performance is nothing short of magical. Africa isn’t ready for the spectacle we have in store!”
The African Games, owned and organized by the African Union on behalf of its member states, bring together athletes from across the continent every four years, one year before the Olympics. Now in its 13th edition, the prestigious event showcases athletic talent, celebrates African cultural values and heritage, and promotes solidarity and integration. Additionally, the Games play a crucial role in fostering social cohesion and a culture of peace within Africa.
Washington, D.C., March 11 – Stonebwoy stunned the crowd at Washington DC’s Rolling Cocoa Festival with a noteworthy performance on Saturday night, at The Anthem.
Stonebwoy is no stranger to the festival stage, having headlined notable festivals across Europe, Africa, Canada, and the USA. With a lineup of upcoming shows and festivals that span the globe, including the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival in California from June 21 to 23, Stonebwoy’s journey is far from over. Notable stops along the way include the Island Rock Concert on February 23, later this month, and the Austin Reggae Festival in Texas on April 19, promising audiences an unforgettable experience filled with infectious rhythms and uplifting vibes.
Los Angeles, California – February 17, 2024 – Ghana’s Stonebwoy took his signature sound and authentic dancehall experience to Marina Green Park in L.A. California, performing at this year’s Cali Vibes Festival on Saturday (February 17).
A luminary in contemporary afropop and lauded for his profound lyricism and remarkable achievements in the global music scene, the Ghanaian musician headlined the festival’s Boomyard Stage, captivating the audience with his energetic performance and global appeal. The performance marked his first international outing this year, two months, since he reaffirmed his status as one of Africa’s most exciting musical exports with his sold-out BHIM Festival at the Accra Sports Stadium in Ghana on Friday, December 22.
Throughout his set, Stonebwoy treated fans to an electrifying showcase of his hit songs, seamlessly blending infectious rhythms with poignant storytelling. From chart-toppers like “Gidigba”, “Run Go” “People Dey”, “Non-Stop”, “Apotheke” to soul-stirring anthems. In a special tribute to the legendary Bob Marley, he also delivered a stirring remake of “Buffalo Soldier” which features he vocals. On the night, Stonebwoy commanded the stage with his magnetic presence, igniting a palpable energy that reverberated throughout the venue.
With a lineup of upcoming shows that span the globe, including the Rolling Cocoa Festival in Washington DC on March 9 and the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival in California from June 21 to 23, Stonebwoy’s journey is far from over. Notable stops along the way include the Island Rock Concert on February 23, later this month and the Austin Reggae Festival in Texas on April 19 promising audiences an unforgettable experience filled with infectious rhythms and uplifting vibes.
International afropop artiste Stonbewoy will speak at this year’s Island Music Conference, slated for Kingston, Jamaica from February 21st to 25th, 2024.
The BET award-winner will participate in panel discussions covering various aspects of the music industry, including role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the music industry, the nuances of publicity, branding strategies, artiste management, digital music marketing strategies, effective money management among others, where he will share his wealth of experience and knowledge on the global music industry as professional and executive. Additionally, he will join a talk-debate titled “How to Make the News,” delving into effective strategies for capturing media attention in the digital age.
The multi-award-winning Ghanaian musician will be joining forces with iconic names such as Shaggy, Masicka, Marcia Griffiths, Teejay, Konshens, Sean Paul, Wyclef Jean, R&B singer Mya, filmmaker Jay Will, T&T soca artiste Kes and SVG’s Skinny Fabulous and other prominent executives who represent a wide range of creative industries.
Stonebwoy represents the resounding success of people of Ghanaian and African heritage in the global entertainment industry. He is acclaimed for his profound lyricism and creating a platform that has significantly contributed to the global recognition and appreciation of African music.
Over the years Stonebwoy has has emerged as a key catalyst for bridging the gap between Ghana and the Caribbean through his standout collaborations with leading Jamaican artistes, such as Beenie Man, Shaggy, Sean Paul, Morgan Heritage, Jahmiel, and more. His popular reggae & dancehall and afrobeats concert series, “BHIM FESTIVAL,” held in Ghana, has become a premier platform for Jamaican artists. Recent editions of the festival have featured performances from acclaimed Jamaican artists, most notably Jahmiel, 10Tik, Beenie Man, Busy Signal, and Morgan Heritage.
The annual conference serves as a gathering where global top brass music industry executives and professionals from around the world come together to share experiences and engage in discussions on topics such as commercial success, organic movement, genre-bonding opportunities, building global music bridges and mastering platforms. Chaired by renowned dancehall singer Shaggy, the Island Music Conference (ICM) aims to foster the growth of Caribbean music on a global scale, connecting stakeholders such as artists, songwriters, producers, and musicians with the pulse of the international music industry.