stonebwoy

Biography

Livingstone Etse Satekla, known professionally as Stonebwoy, was born on March 5, 1988, in Ashaiman, a suburb of Accra, Ghana. From an early age, he demonstrated a passion for the creative arts, writing songs and acting in school drama clubs by the fourth grade. Stonebwoy’s musical journey began in earnest during his high school years, where he gained underground popularity through rap battles and released his first radio hit, 'Makuma (My Heart)'.

Stonebwoy’s career took off after joining Samini’s HighGrade Family in 2008, where he honed his craft before founding his own label, Burniton Music Group, in 2012. His debut album, 'Grade 1', was followed by 'Necessary Evil', 'Epistles of Mama', and 'Anloga Junction', each solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in Afropop, dancehall, and reggae. In 2022, he signed with Universal Music Group’s Def Jam Recordings, releasing '5Th Dimension', which debuted at number eight on the Billboard Reggae Albums Chart. Stonebwoy is celebrated for his dynamic blend of Afrobeats, reggae, dancehall, and Ghanaian highlife, often performing in Jamaican Patois and collaborating with artists across Africa, the UK, and Jamaica.

Stonebwoy’s legacy is marked by numerous accolades, including the 2015 BET Award for Best International Act: Africa, multiple Ghana Music Awards, and recognition from Billboard and the Grammy Awards for his contributions to global music. Beyond music, he is a prominent advocate for sanitation and environmental issues in Ghana, and has served as a brand ambassador for major companies. Stonebwoy is widely regarded as a pioneer of Afrodancehall, elevating the genre to international prominence.

Fun Facts

• Stonebwoy is also an actor, having appeared in Ghanaian films such as 'Happy Death Day' and 'My Name is Ramadan'.
• He is a global ambassador for sanitation and has been recognized for using his music to promote environmental awareness.
• Stonebwoy is the CEO of Burniton Music Group, his own record label.
• He often performs in Jamaican Patois, blending it with Ghanaian languages to create a unique musical style.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Samini - Stonebwoy joined Samini’s HighGrade Family early in his career, learning from Samini’s experience in dancehall and reggae. (Collaborations and mentorship during Stonebwoy’s time at HighGrade Family) [2008–2012]

Key Collaborators

• Sarkodie - Frequent collaborator on singles and performances; both artists emerged from the same rap battle scene. (Various singles and live performances) [2010s–present]
• Burna Boy - Collaborated on the hit single 'African Party' and other projects, blending Afrobeats and dancehall. ('African Party', 'Anloga Junction' album) [2020]
• Morgan Heritage - Stonebwoy featured on the Grammy-nominated single 'AVRAKEDABRA' and other reggae collaborations. ('AVRAKEDABRA') [2017–2020]
• Keri Hilson - Featured on Stonebwoy’s album 'Anloga Junction'. ('Anloga Junction' album) [2020]

Artists Influenced

• Kelvyn Boy - Signed to Stonebwoy’s Burniton Music Group and mentored in Afropop and dancehall. (Singles and collaborations under BMG) [2017–2020]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. TIENS MA MONEY (feat. Stonebwoy) (DACHIBA KOUMGBA TCHAIBA)
2. Into The Future (5th Dimension)
3. Now or Never
4. Larger Than Life (feat. Stonebwoy)
5. Life & Money (5th Dimension)
6. Ever Lasting
7. Likor (feat. Stonebwoy)
8. Kpo K3K3
9. JEJEREJE (with Ginton)
10. Activate (5th Dimension)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #afropop, #dancehall, #reggae