Stonebwoy | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Birth name | Livingstone Etse Satekla |
Also known as | 1GAD |
Born | Ashaiman, Ghana | 5 March 1988
Origin | Alakple-Anloga, Ghana |
Genres | |
Occupation | Musician |
Instrument | Vocals |
Years active | 2009–present |
Labels | Burniton Music Group, Def Jam Records and Ada music [1] |
Website | https://stonebwoyb.net |
Livingstone Etse Satekla (Born 5 March 1988), better known by his stage name Stonebwoy, is a Ghanaian Afropop, Afro-dancehall and reggae musician from Ashaiman, Accra. [2] [3]
He is the CEO of Burniton Music Group. He won the Best International Act: Africa category at the 2015 BET Awards and Artiste of the Year at the 2015 and 2024 Ghana Music Awards. [4] He is also a recipient of two Billboard plaques. [5] Stonebwoy received the Golden Club plaque from Boomplay after surpassing 100 million streams on the platform. He has been described as the king of reggae and dance hall in Africa. [6] [7] [8] Stonebwoy is also an actor, having appeared in the movies Happy Death Day and My name is Ramadan. [9] He is a global ambassador for sanitation. [10] [11] In September 2019, he was made the brand ambassador for Voltic Natural Mineral Water. [12] He is the brand ambassador of Tecno mobile in Ghana. [13] [14]
In 2022, he signed unto Universal Music Group's Def Jam Recordings, and its flagship Def Jam Recordings Africa, [15] to release his fifth studio album 5Th Dimension (2023), which debuted number eight(8) on Billboard Reggae Albums Charts. [16] He is poised to make three albums under the label. [17]
Etse was born in Ashaiman in the Greater Accra region of Ghana and began making music in his early school days. He realized his talents and abilities as a lyricist and scriptwriter at an early age, remembering writing and acting drama pieces as far back as his fourth year in primary school. [18]
He obtained his high school certificate at Tema Methodist Day Secondary School and later enrolled at the University of Professional Studies to pursue a degree in Marketing, in 2013. However, he cut short his studies to focus on his music. [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24]
In June 2024, Stonebwoy, after four years of studies, successfully graduated with a second-class upper degree in Public Administration from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration(GIMPA). [25] [26] In September 2024, Stonebwoy returned to GIMPA for his Master of Arts programme in International Public Relations and Diplomacy. [27] [28]
His fifth studio album 5th Dimension, was released on 28 April 2023. [29] It debuted No. 8 on Billboard Reggae Albums Charts. [30] [31]
In addition, 5th Dimension received a nomination for Album of the Year at the 2024 3Music Awards.
His most recent release was on 24 September 2024, and is a single titled "Jejereje." The song’s title translates from local parlance to “one’s cup of tea,” implying that a person’s actions shape their fate. Since its release, the song has been climbing the music charts.
Stonebwoy normally sings in Jamaican Patois (Patwa or Patwah) and is considered a "multifaceted artiste" due to the various musical styles he possesses. In 2015, he received many awards and nominations ranging from "Artist of the Year" to "Album of the Year". His sophomore album, Necessary Evil, was the recipient of 3 Ghana Music Awards from 6 nominations. [32] Nana Appiah Mensah, CEO of gold dealership company Menzgold, sent out words of encouragement to Stonebwoy on Instagram for Stonebwoy being supportive. [33] On 18 April 2019, Nana Appiah Mensah posted a photo of Dance hall act Stonebwoy saying he is proud of the Bhim Nation president for defending him and that God bless him. [34]
He was listed as part of the 2019 50 (fifty) young CEOs, by YCEO and Avance media. The list, which was launched in 2018, was set out to honour distinguished young individuals pursuing the course of providing solutions to some of Ghana's pertinent problems. [35]
In 2020, GRAMMY, handed a plaque to Stonebwoy in acknowledgment of his role as featured performer on Grammy award-nominated single "AVRAKEDABRA" by Morgan Heritage. [36] [37]
In 2021, three albums on which Stonebwoy featured were nominated for the 2022 Grammy Awards. [38] [39] [40] [41] [42]
In 2022, Vodafone Ghana recognized him for using his creativity and music to promote the awareness of environmental and sustainability issues. His song "Greedy Men" received an award and a cash reward of GH¢ 10,000. [43] [44]
In acknowledgment of his achievement in securing the 8th position on its chart, Billboard honored him with a certified plaque. This recognition underscores his notable accomplishment and success within the music industry, further solidifying his standing on the prominent Billboard chart. [45]
Stonebwoy established the ‘Livingstone Foundation’. [46] In January 2017 the foundation announced a sponsorship package for five students of the Tema Methodist Day Senior High School, his alma mater. [47] As part of celebrations for Stonebwoy's 30th birthday, the foundation donated a sum of GH¢5,000 to the accident ward of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in March 2018. [48] [49] Stonebwoy has also opened the official BHIM merch shop in Ashaiman. Proceeds from the shop are used to fund activities of the Livingstone Foundation.
In 2020, the Livingstone Foundation in collaboration with the BHIM Merchandise Shop gave out free sanitizers as parts of efforts to combat the coronavirus spread in Ghana. [50] Stonebwoy also donated sanitizers and other items to the Police Department in Ashaiman to aid them in discharging their duties during the coronavirus pandemic in Ghana. [51] [52]
In 2022, the Livingstone Foundation together with Duffour Foundation renovated a basic school that serves four towns close to Stonebwoy's hometown. [53] [54]
Stonebwoy has recently been named the Brand Ambassador for 'Big Boss', a new energy drink. [55] In September 2020, Stonebwoy was named Tecno Mobile brand ambassador and unveiled the Camon 16 Series in October 2020. [56] [57]
Stonebwoy kicked off his world tour in the Euro-zone in August 2014. [58] He performed in Germany, Italy, Spain and Austria. His 2016 Canada-America tour saw him perform in New York City, Ohio, Philadelphia and Ontario. In the same year, he rocked Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney all in Australia. [59] His second Euro tour saw him travel to the Nordic to thrill fans in Denmark, Finland and Sweden in last quarter of 2017. [60] Stonebwoy performed at Reggae Sumfest, [61] Afro nation festival in Portugal, [62] Rotterdam reggae festival, [63] Uppsala Reggae Festival. [64] Rototom Sunsplash. [65] [66]
Stonebwoy performed at the Global Citizen Festival held at the Black Star Square in Accra on 24 September 2022. [67] [68] Stonebwoy was one of the headliners for the festival which was aimed at advocating for the end of extreme poverty in Africa and performed alongside the likes of Usher, SZA, Sarkodie etc. [69] [67] He was adjudged as one of the best performers on the show by patrons and critics alike. [70] Stonebwoy also performed at Electric Brixton venue as part of his music career in London. [71]
On the eve of 18 May 2019, during the 20th edition of Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, a brawl erupted between the followers of Stonebwoy [72] and the fans of his music rival Shatta Wale, which lead to Stonebwoy pulling out a gun on stage. [73] [74] [75] [76] They were both arrested and detained the following day. [77] They both appeared in court where they pleaded not guilty to both their respective charges after which they were granted bail of GH¢50,000 each. They were stripped of the awards they picked up that night and were indefinitely banned from the program by Charterhouse, the organizers of the event. [78] They made peace by the 30th day of that very same month. [79] Stonebwoy's ban from the Awards show was lifted in the 2022 edition of the show. [80]
During an interview on Asaase Radio in July 2023, Stonebwoy confessed his willingness to collaborate with Shatta Wale should it present itself in the nearest future. He said this when cementing the fact that the issues leading to their ban from the VGMA had been resolved. [81]
On 2 August, in a tweet, Stonebwoy claimed that he embodies the authentic essence of Afrobeats, reggae, and dancehall, portraying their true representation. [82]
Again, on 23 August 2024, Stonebwoy lamented why his name was omitted from the Grammy list of artistes who have contributed to the growth of Ghanaian music. On X(Twitter) he posted, "Who ever wrote this article is interestingly missing THE NAME @stonebwoy.@RecordingAcad Do Due Diligence before you publish half dozed articles aiming to capture the true image of the State of the Ghanaian Sound." Stonebwoy calls out Grammys over omitting his name in Ghanaian dancehall history
Year | Title | Album | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|
2012 | Rat Race | Grade #1 | [83] |
Head Up/Above the Sky | [84] | ||
Kiss n Cry | [85] | ||
Please Don't Go | [86] | ||
Onumade | [87] | ||
Agoro | [88] | ||
2013 | Party Again | Necessary Evil | [89] |
Pull Up | [90] | ||
No Sir | [91] | ||
2014 | Wicked | [92] | |
Physically | [93] | ||
Bhim Nation | [94] | ||
Baafira | [95] | ||
Ex Boyfriend | [96] | ||
Can't Cool | [97] | ||
So Real | [98] | ||
Gwaan | [99] | ||
Real Warrior | [100] | ||
Murderer | [101] | ||
More Gyal | [102] | ||
2015 | Go Higher | Non-album single | [103] |
Mightylele | [104] | ||
2016 | People Dey | [105] | |
We made it | [106] | ||
Problem | [107] | ||
Last Station | [108] | ||
Guy Guy | [109] | ||
Sapashini | [110] | ||
Any Day | [111] | ||
Sick Inna Head | [112] | ||
By Grace | [113] | ||
2017 | My Name | [114] | |
Come From Far(Wo Gb3 J3k3) | [115] | ||
Falling Again | [116] | ||
Hero | [117] | ||
Enkulenu | [118] | ||
2018 | Dirty Enemies | [119] | |
Kpo K3K3 | [120] | ||
Loyalty | [121] | ||
Tomorrow | [122] | ||
Smile Time Done(S.T.D/Worldwide) | [123] | ||
Most Original | Epistles of Mama | ||
Wame | Non-album single | [124] | |
Top Skanka | [125] | ||
2019 | Shuga | Non-album single | [126] |
Tuff Seed | Non-album single | [127] | |
Ololo | Non-album | [103] [128] [129] | |
Big Boss | Non-album | [130] | |
Black People | Non-album | [131] | |
More | Non-album | [132] | |
Take me away | Non-album | [133] | |
Take me there | Non-album | [134] | |
What a place | Non-album | [135] | |
2020 | Sobolo | Non-album | [136] [137] |
Good morning | Anloga Junction | [138] [139] | |
African Party | Anloga Junction | [140] | |
Understand | Anloga Junction | [141] | |
Le Gba Gbe | Anloga Junction | [142] [143] | |
Nominate | Anloga Junction | [144] [145] | |
Everlasting | Anloga Junction | [146] | |
Journey | Anloga Junction | [147] | |
Nkuto | Anloga Junction | [148] | |
Only Love | Anloga Junction | [149] | |
Motion | Anloga Junction | [150] | |
Bow Down | Anloga Junction | [151] | |
Critical | Anloga Junction | [152] | |
Black Madonna | Anloga Junction | [153] | |
African idol | Anloga Junction | [154] | |
Strength and Hope | Anloga Junction | [155] | |
Putuu | Non-album | [156] [157] | |
Blaze Dem | Non-album | [158] | |
Activate | Non-album | [159] | |
2021 | 1Gad | Non-album | [160] [161] |
We move | Non-album | ||
Blessing | Non-album | [162] | |
Outside | Non-album | [163] [164] | |
Ariba | Non-album | [165] | |
Greedy Men | Non-album | [166] | |
Nukedzor | Non-album | ||
2022 | Therapy | 5TH DIMENSION | [167] |
Gidigba | Non-album | [168] | |
2023 | Life & Money (featuring Stormzy) | ||
2024 | Stonebwoy - OVERLORD | - | |
Jejereje | Non-album single |
Year | Award ceremony | Award Presented | Nominated work/recipient | Result | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2015 | BET Awards | Best International Act | Himself | Won | [169] |
Vodafone Ghana Music | Artist of the Year | Himself | Won | [170] | |
Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year | Himself | Won | [170] | ||
All Africa Music Awards | Best African Reggae, Ragga and Dancehall | Himself | Won | [171] | |
MTN 4Syte Music Awards | Best Reggae/Dancehall Video | Himself | Won | [172] | |
Best Directed Video | Himself | Won | [172] | ||
Most Influential Artist | Himself | Won | [172] | ||
2016 | International Reggae and World Music Awards | Most Promising Act | Himself | Won | [173] |
Vodafone Ghana Music | Reggae/Dancehall Song of the Year | Himself | Won | [170] | |
Ghana Music Awards UK | Most Popular Song of the Year | Himself | Nominated | [174] | |
Reggae/Dancehall Song of the Year | Himself | Won | [174] | ||
Artiste of the Year | Himself | Nominated | [174] | ||
Album of the Year | Himself | Won | [174] | ||
2017 | BET Awards | Best International Act | Himself | Nominated | [175] [176] |
Vodafone Ghana Music | Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year | Himself | Won | [177] | |
Reggae/Dancehall song of the Year | Himself | Won | [177] | ||
2018 | All Africa Music Awards | Best Reggae/Dancehall African Artiste | Himself | Won | [178] |
Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards | Favorite African Star | Himself | Won | [179] | |
3Music Awards | Reggae/Dancehall artiste of the Year | Himself | Won | [180] | |
Twitstar of the Year | Himself | Won | [180] | ||
Instagram Star of the Year | Himself | Won | [180] | ||
Vodafone Ghana Music | Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year | Himself | Won | [181] | |
2019 | African Entertainment Awards USA | Best Male Artiste | Himself | Won | [182] |
AFRIMA 2019 | Best Reggae Dancehall Artiste | Himself | Won | [183] [184] | |
2020 | International Reggae and World Music Awards | Best African Reggae/Dancehall Entertainer | Himself | Won | [185] [186] [187] |
2022 | 3Music Awards | Reggae/Dancehall Act of the Year | Himself | Won | [188] |
Vodafone Ghana Music | Vodafone Green Award | Himself | Won | [80] | |
Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year | Himself | Won | [80] | ||
Music for Good | Greedy Men | Won | [80] | ||
Best Collaboration | Enjoyment Minister (featured) | Won | [80] | ||
2023 | Vodafone Ghana Music Awards | Best Afro Pop of the Year | Won | [189] | |
2024 | Telecel Ghana Music Awards | Reggea Dancehall Artiste of The Year | Won | ||
Album of The Video | Won | ||||
Record of the Year | Won | ||||
Best International Collaboration of the Year | Manodzi | Won | |||
Best Songwriter of the Year | Manodzi | Won | |||
Artiste of the Year | Himself | Won | |||
YEN Entertainment Awards | Best Male Artist of the Year | Pending | [190] | ||
Most Stylish Male Celeb | Pending | ||||
3Music Awards | Album of the Year | 5th Dimension | Pending | [191] | |
Artiste (MVP) of the Year | Pending | ||||
Best Collaboration of the Year | "Likor" | Pending | |||
Digital Act of the Year | Pending | ||||
Highlife Song of the Year | "Manodzi" | Pending | |||
Video of the Year | Pending | ||||
Performer of the Year | BHIM 5th Dimension Concert 2023 | Pending | |||
Reggae/Dancehall Song of the Year | "Non-Stop" | Pending | |||
Reggae/Dancehall Act of the Year | Pending | ||||
Song of the Year | "Into the Future" | Pending | |||
Ghana Music Awards USA | Artist of the Year | Himself | Nominated | [192] | |
Reggae/Dancehall Artist of the Year | Won | ||||
Most Popular Song of the Year | "Into the Future" | Nominated | |||
Best Collaboration of the Year | "Likor" | Nominated | |||
"Manodzi" | Nominated | ||||
Ghana Music Awards UK | Artist of the Year | Himself | Pending | [193] | |
Reggae/Dancehall Artist of the Year | Pending | ||||
Most Popular Song of the Year | "Into the Future" | Pending | |||
"Likor" | Pending | ||||
Best Collaboration of the Year | Pending | ||||
"Manodzi" | Pending | ||||
Songwriter of the Year | Pending | ||||
Best Music Video of the Year | Pending | ||||
"Into the Future" | Pending | ||||
Best Afropop Song of the Year | Pending | ||||
"Not God (Remix)" | Pending | ||||
Best Afrobeats Song of the Year | "Likor" | Pending |
In March 2021, his album Anloga Junction won the Album of the Year award in the Entertainment Achievement Awards. He also won the Male Artist of the Year Award. [194]
In March 2021, his album Anloga Junction won the Album of the Year award in the 3Music Awards. His song Putuu Freestyle (Prayer) won the Viral Song of the Year. [195]
In May 2021, he was nominated for the 'Best African Dancehall Entertainer Award'. [196]
He has been honored by Billboard after securing 8th position on Reggae Chart and received a plaque. [197] [198] [199]
Stonebwoy is married to Dr. Louisa Satekla, a dental surgeon and ambassador for World Oral Health with two children, Catherine Jidula Satekla and L Janam Joachim Satekla. [200]
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