BIGSONG:
Stonebwoy’s evocative blend of Afro-pop, dancehall, and reggae has earned him widespread popularity and acclaim both in his native Ghana and around much of Africa. Since debuting in the early 2010s, he has been a consistent presence in Ghanian music, collaborating with high-profile acts from his own country like Sarkodie and Samini as well as mainstream African artists like Davido and Burna Boy. After his 2014 breakout, Necessary Evil, earned a clutch of Ghana Music Awards, Stonebwoy found international success with 2017’s Epistles of Mama, which made its way onto the Billboard charts. His fourth album, 2020’s Anloga Junction, built on his global success with a host of collaborators ranging from American Keri Hilson to South Africa’s Nasty C. After several more collaborations, Stonebwoy returned to solo work in 2022 with the single “Therapy.”
Born Livingstone Etse Satekla in the Ghanian suburb of Ashaiman, Stonebwoy was active in both music and theater during his teenage years. A schoolmate of rapper Sarkodie, he later earned a college marketing degree before focusing more heavily on his music career. His 2012 single “Climax,” featuring fellow dancehall singer Samini, found some traction, and led to the release of Stonebwoy’s debut album, Grade 1. His smooth voice and vibrant Afro-pop-reggae style was a hit and by the time he released 2014’s award-winning Necessary Evil, he’d begun to establish himself as a major player in Ghanian music. That album’s national success soon led to more widespread acclaim on 2017’s Epistles of Mama, his lengthy third album. Boasting a range of high profile collaborators like Agent Sasco, Kelvyn Boy, Burna Boy, and his old friend Sarkodie, the album was dedicated to his late mother and made it all the way to number 13 on Billboard’s World Albums chart.
Following a guest appearance on Collie Buddz’ streaming hit “Bounce It,” Stonebwoy’s popularity followed him into the next decade with his fourth album, 2020’s Anloga Junction. He made the Billboard chart again with the album’s Keri Hilson-assisted single “Nominate.” After the non-album single “Putuu Freestyle,” he collaborated with Celina Sharma on his hit 2021 EP, Cece, then offered up the 2022 solo track “Therapy.”
