Stonebwoy Champions Deeper Unity Between African and Jamaican Sounds

Ghanaian Afro-dancehall and reggae star Stonebwoy has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the connection between African and Jamaican music, calling for greater unity between the genres for mutual growth.

Speaking with the Jamaica Observer in Kingston on Friday, following his performance at Dream Weekend’s Igloo on August 5, the artiste stressed the shared cultural roots of reggae, dancehall, Afrobeat, and African traditional rhythms.

“Truth be spoken, we have to think as a collective people,” said Stonebwoy, born Livingstone Etse Satekla. “Once you’re black, you come from Africa… Reggae belongs to Ghanaians as much as it belongs to Jamaicans, and Afrobeat belongs to the Caribbean as much as it belongs to Africa. It’s ‘Out of Many, One People.’”

Stonebwoy, who has collaborated with over 50 Jamaican artistes including Sean Paul, Beenie Man, Shaggy, Dexta Daps, Bounty Killer, Spice, and Kabaka Pyramid, said his Afro-dancehall sound is deeply inspired by both African music and Jamaica’s reggae and dancehall traditions.

“Reggae is the mother and still has identical roots to the Motherland. It goes ‘round and ‘round, so I feel the need to be very specific with it — that’s Afro-dancehall,” he explained.

The international star marked his Dream Weekend debut with what he described as his “A-game” performance, noting that Jamaican crowds are discerning due to the island’s rich musical legacy. This was his third performance in Jamaica, following appearances at Rebel Salute and Reggae Sumfest.

“I’m grateful for the reception I get in Jamaica every time,” he said. “Even as a non-Jamaican, I carry the responsibility to amplify and connect reggae and dancehall with Africa.”

Stonebwoy also highlighted his own festival, now in its tenth year, which has featured Jamaican stars such as Spice, Jahshii, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Morgan Heritage, and 10tik. He hinted at plans to host a “Stonebwoy and Friends Live” show in Jamaica in the near future.

With a new EP set for release this week, Stonebwoy pledged to continue promoting cultural exchange between Africa and the Caribbean. “Continue to support it,” he urged. “It’s only going to get bigger and better.”