Stonebwoy is the kind of artist whose energy transcends even a phone call.

Vibrant, magnetic, and deeply grounded, his words carry a weight that lingers long after the conversation ends.

Born Livingstone Etse Satekla in Ashaiman, Ghana, his upbringing shaped the man and artist he is today—someone fiercely committed to Africa, her people, and their stories. “My upbringing taught me everything about community,” he tells me with conviction. “That’s where I learned love, unity, and resilience. It’s why I’ll always be pro-African. Africa is home, and I want the world to see it the way I do.”

While we were on the call, he mentioned spending time with South African rapper Nasty C—two powerhouses who are proving that collaboration across borders isn’t just possible, it’s essential. “We’ve got so much to give the world,” he said, his voice alive with passion. “But it starts with us loving ourselves, supporting each other, and coming together as one.”

This is Stonebwoy’s message, clear and unwavering. It’s not just talk—it’s evident in his music, his actions, and the way he carries himself.

His accolades already tell a story. Stonebwoy has taken home the BET Award for Best International Act, claimed victories at the AFRIMA Awards, Ghana Music Awards, and even the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards. And yet, despite the global recognition, there’s no ego in his voice—just an artist with purpose. For him, music isn’t just a craft; it’s a tool for connection, empowerment, and education.

His genre of choice, reggae, reflects this commitment. When I brought up Bob Marley, Stonebwoy one-upped me with a name closer to home. “It’s Lucky Dube for me,” he said. “He was a voice for Africa, for Black Consciousness. His music was about truth, love, and unity.”

Stonebwoy speaks with a clarity that feels timeless, as if his words carry echoes of Steve Biko, Malcolm X, Fred Hampton, and Miriam Makeba. But there’s nothing heavy-handed about the way he says it. He believes in spreading love through his music, in uniting people across the African diaspora. “Black people—Africans, African-Americans, the diaspora—we’re all one. They divided us because they knew the power we hold when we’re united. That’s why I use my music: to bring us back together, to remind us who we are.”

Right now, Stonebwoy is preparing for his much-anticipated BHIM Fest in Ghana this summer, a celebration of African music, culture, and pride. But he couldn’t hide his excitement about the possibility of making his way to South Africa next year. “I’m looking forward to it,” he teased, hinting at something special. With his latest album Up & Running out now, it feels like the perfect time for South Africans to tune in and experience his message for themselves.

For Stonebwoy, Africa has always been the blueprint, and now the rest of the world is finally catching on. “We’ve always been great,” he says. “The world sees it now because they can’t ignore us anymore. But we need to see it too. There’s so much to experience here—our stories, our music, our culture. We need to travel our own continent. How can we show our greatness to the world if we haven’t experienced it ourselves?”

The call ends, and I realise Stonebwoy is more than an artist; he’s a movement. His words feel like a rallying cry—not just for Africa but for Black people everywhere. He’s here to remind us of who we are, of the love we need to have for ourselves and each other. His music carries the soul of Lucky Dube, the defiance of Steve Biko, and the hope of a united Africa.

Listen to Up & Running. Let it sink in. And when Stonebwoy makes his way to South Africa, be ready. It won’t just be a performance—it’ll be a moment of connection, a celebration of everything we are and everything we can be. Stonebwoy isn’t just making music; he’s leading us back to ourselves.