Stonebwoy / 32 / Artist, Performer & Composer
Describe Stonebwoy and the love for music?
Stonebwoy is an African from Ghana. A multi-international award-winning artist, a performer and composer. I am a very talented musical genius, blending Dancehall and Reggae styles with Afrobeats, it is termed ‘AfroDancehall’. Born Livingstone Etse Satekla, music is my life and I love my life.
You create Afropop, Reggae and Dancehall music, what’s your favourite genre to create and why?
My style is actually a combination of all the above mentioned, to form a single body, so I can confidently say my favourite thing is to create all 3-in-1, termed as AfroDancehall. All the genres of music beautifully intertwined, have the same roots which make them not so widely different.
You’ve worked with South African artists such as AKA, Nasty C and Cassper Nyovest, do you listen to SA music? If so, what’s your favourite thing about the music/artists?
South African music is smooth, with its naturally fast and mid tempos that come with a lot of very creative dances to match. I love to listen to music across Anglophone, Lusophone and Francophone lines, so I can easily relate SA music. My favourite thing about SA music is the swing it comes with, derived from the tone of languages and the artistes are unique in their styles. SA has a very diverse culture, which is beautiful.
Your new single ‘Bow Down’ sees you collaborating with Nasty C, what’s the story behind the collaboration?
Nasty C was the best choice for a rhythm like that, when I heard it I knew we could create some magical with the guidance of producer iPappi Beats from Ghana. The song was recorded at my home studio in Ghana, we made under 2 hours, from scratch! We are yet to put a video together after the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s a major project for the Anloga Junction album.
You’ve collaborated with top artists all over the world, how much personal and musical growth happens with each collaboration?
I’ve collaborated with great artists worldwide, personal musical connections have been brewed with each connect, with some relationships going beyond the music and turning into family and real friends. Like they say, real recognize real and the bond there off.
Why call your new album ‘Anloga Junction’?
The idea behind calling my album Anloga Junction is to give it identity as an African album from Ghana. The name of the town I hail from is Anloga, where Anlo is the dialect spoken and the same name defines my ethnicity.
How did the collaboration with Keri Hilson come about? Should we expect more collabs in the future?
The collaboration with Keri Hilson was meant to happen, it wasn’t planned though, only thought of and that’s why everything came together beautifully. A friend of mine met Keri on a flight and it all began there. We exchanged numbers and followed up when I went to the States for a tour. She invited me over to her studios, where the legendary award-winning producer, Andre Dre Harris was present. and we all made it happen. Yes there’s definitely a few more coming up.
How does it feel to be inducted into the Grammy Museum Sounds of Africa exhibit?
To be included in such a prestigious exhibition is proof that my hard work and contribution to the music scene is recognized globally.
What do you believe is the future of African music or Afrobeats?
The future of African music or Afrobeats is there for us the creative to speak about our history, our stories and spread the African agenda in our compositions. I’ve come to realize that this is lacking in our creative content and that is the future.
With not being able to travel due to the pandemic, what is the future looking like for you? What message do you have for your South African fans who were looking forward to meeting you on tour in SA?
The future is still very bright, though there’s a lock down happening and the world is facing this global pandemic, I trust that there’s hope for the people of the world. Let’s turn to our maker in these times and let’s all keep to the protocols of keeping safe from this deadly virus.
Any live streaming performances for your fans during the lock down?
During this lock down I’ve done a few virtual charity concerts and pushed my store via merchandise and also pushing my album. I’ve continued to use social media to keep in touch with my fans.
How has lock down affected you as an artist?
Lock down has affected the whole world and we are finding newer means to keep pushing our work out and interacting with our fans.
Follow Stonebwoy!
Instagram: @stonebwoyb
Twitter: @stonebwoyb
Facebook: @stonebwoyburniton
YouTube: Stonebwoy
-Bridgette Makhela
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