Award-winning African artist, Stonebwoy has been a critical landmark of continental representation in the global arena. From international touring, standout collaborations and a trail of prevalent singles since 2012, he has etched his name as one of Ghana’s most pertinent musical geniuses.
True to his ethos of uplifting the spirits of those around him and those beyond his reach, he cements an already illustrious career of spawning four albums, countless hit records, movie roles, and philanthropic work by signing to Def Jam Recordings, 0207 Def Jam and Def Jam Africa, supported by UMG labels around the world.
We enjoyed conversing with the eclectic mastermind about his signing, ambitions for his career trajectory, fashion, accolades, musical style, and vision for enlightening the world about African culture.
On signing to Def Jam. How did you know that the label was the right fit for you and your artistry?
The roster of def Jam speaks for itself, considering the calibre of artists that are working with the label; therefore, I believe that a weight like myself joining the Def Jam family is just going to be a greater achievement for all of us especially pushing my craft, music, and artistry as a whole to the world.
Def Jam is a reputable and star-studded record label. How do you plan to leverage your signing to continue breaking into the global market?
Def Jam is known for its prowess in the global scene, so a signing like this will go a long way to expose my very solid talent to the world. I’ll have to continue to work hard, even harder than I used to work, so that I can achieve the much-needed Global status. knowing that I have something unique to offer to the world. it’s like there are so many stars in the sky; here comes the 1GAD
You are a Grammy-nominated musician with multiple international accolades. How have you been able to penetrate the global market while remaining true to your African roots?
Like the question says, I have remained true to my African roots and tapped into Global inspiration; that is how I’ve been able to constantly push what I have from Africa as an independent Artiste.
I have had to Believe in myself, have courage and invest in myself all these years, promoting my sound and style, touring and collabs, and Hard work has helped me to penetrate through till date.
Constantly studying to know myself and my calling has made me stay really grounded and true to my roots.
What are some of the elements of African culture you would like the world to know?
Africa has a strong culture, and all these centuries’ creatives and talented people through arts have shown a lot of elements from Africa to the world. Many of the things built from the west in terms of style, fashion and taste have all being inspired by these African elements. I have a duty to continuously push and promote those elements,
namely sounds, dance, skill, culture, fashion, music, innovation, discipline etc.
Most of your music is vibrant and celebratory. What message do you intend to communicate through your music and future projects?
The same vibrant messages of representing for the voiceless, the hopeful, the joyful, the troubled, the loved, the needy, the sheltered and the homeless, the poor, the blind, the rich, the black race etc.
You have collaborated with various artists whose sounds are completely different from yours, namely Nasty C, Keri Hilson, and Celina Sharma – just to mention a few. How do you go about selecting features for your music?
My features as selected based on the sounds that I can connect with. mostly I must be inspired by the sound; that’s how I can deliver or add the best of me
Your latest single, “Love Power”, features astounding artists Alpha Blondy and The Solar System. How did the collaborations come about?
Alpha Blondie is a very big legend from Ivory Coast Africa, who has inspired generations and people like me. As a strong believer of the message of music through reggae, I wholeheartedly accepted the gesture to feature with him. I was on a media tour in Ivory Coast, and that’s how we connected in person. I went on to visit him in in castle home, where he was working on a song that caught my attention, he simply agreed to have me put a verse, and that’s how the collab happened.
What else can we look forward to seeing from you in 2022?
Moving forward, God willing, there’s going to be more music, more heights, and Africa shall continue to be celebrated
