Ghanaian artist Stonebwoy, participated in a panel discussion at Howard University’s Warner Music Blavatnik Center for Music Business on September 26, 2024. The multi-award-winning musician shared his journey in the music industry, shedding light on how he navigates global success while staying grounded in his Afro-dancehall and reggae roots.

During the panel discussion, Stonebwoy made a statement that resonated with many in attendance. “The talent we possess doesn’t belong to us, it comes through us, but it belongs to humanity,” he said. His words set the tone for a dialogue centered around duality, culture, social justice, and the importance of staying well-rounded in an ever-evolving industry.

Stonebwoy’s commitment to his heritage and storytelling is at the core of his artistic expression. His lyrics, often drawing from personal experiences, serve as reflections of societal issues, making his music both relatable and thought-provoking. “We have to pay attention to our own issues and make sure that we’re progressing and excelling,” he emphasized.

This engagement at Howard University aligns seamlessly with the ‘Beyond the Return’ initiative, for how it connects the diaspora to Ghana. Stonebwoy’s appearance highlighted the strong connection between Ghana and the diaspora, using music and the arts as a bridge. As a prominent Ghanaian artist, his influence extends far beyond the borders of his home country. His presence at one of the most respected Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) not only fosters dialogue about African music but also strengthens the connection between Ghana and the African diaspora in the United States.

Stonebwoy’s impact in the diaspora echoes Ghana’s broader initiative to tell its story through the arts, in alignment with the Brand Ghana pillar of Beyond the Return. His commitment to authentic representation of his culture on the global stage contributes to the ongoing effort to position Ghana as a cultural and creative hub. Through his music, Stonebwoy is an ambassador for the country’s rich artistic heritage, showcasing how Ghana can lead global conversations through its unique contributions to the arts.

During the panel, Stonebwoy also spoke about the art of duality—balancing his role as a global superstar and as a graduate student at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, where he studies international relations and diplomacy. His journey exemplifies the versatility and resilience that is often required of artists navigating the international music scene. As he continues to grow professionally, his studies reflect his desire to remain grounded and well-rounded, constantly seeking new ways to serve as a role model for others.

The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, where Howard students eagerly sought advice from Stonebwoy on breaking into the music industry. For many, the opportunity to engage with such a globally recognized figure was inspiring. Ghanaian student Jesse Panyin Awuah reflected, “It was a nice experience having Howard bring in a Ghanaian artist to speak to the students because we barely see African music artist representation in school.” Stonebwoy’s appearance highlighted the power of cultural authenticity in the music industry. By remaining true to his roots, he has not only inspired students but also shown that Ghana’s story can be told through its artists, who carry the nation’s heritage to the global stage.

Samini is one of Ghana’s most celebrated musicians and a cultural ambassadors when it comes to connecting with artists in the diaspora. His recent visit to Howard University was not just about music; it was about fostering connections between Africa and the African diaspora.  He was the guest speaker in a Fireside Chat as part of the Return Conversations series from Beyond the Return.  The theme for his talk was ‘The Role of Music and Culture in Bridging the Gap Between the Global Diaspora and Africa’

Since 2022, Ghana Tourism Authority and Beyond the Return has had an ongoing partnership with Howard University. After declaring the 2022-2023 school year, the ‘Year of Ghana’ they have continued collaborating on events and activities that help to connect their students and alumni with information about Ghana. 

Samini was grateful for the opportunity to speak at Howard University as part of The Return Conversations and noted the unique power that music has to unite and connect us as a people.  This is especially true since we have seen the rise in popularity of African music globally.  “I delved into the powerful discourse on ‘the role of music and Culture in bridging the gap between the global Diaspora and Africa,” Samini said in his Instagram post after the event.

The event was supported greatly by the Warner Music Blavatnik Centre, who has played a big role in the events GTA & BTR have partnered on in the last couple of years. The CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman, Director of the Beyond the Return Secretariat, Annabelle McKenzie, Filmmaker and Director of Creative Arts at the National Commission on Culture, Socrate Safo were in attendance.

“Had a very inspired conversation at Howard University yesterday. Correct people, correct energy, thought provoking questions in a wonderful space that honors blackness and excellence,” is what Ghanaian artist M.anifest wrote on his Instagram page after speaking at Howard University on February 15th. He was invited as a special guest in a talk at Howard University’s Warner Music/Blavatnik Center for Music Business.

Howard University is one of the most respected Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Last September they declared the 2022/2023 academic school year as the ‘Year of Ghana’. In doing so there have been activities that connect the culture of Ghana with the African American community. For Black History Month there have been a special series of events that highlight contributions of Black people in all facets of society. When it comes to music, this year is especially significant as it marks the 50th anniversary of hip-hop music, which has become one of the most influential genres globally.

M.anifest started his career as an independent hip-hop artist in the U.S. before he moved back to Ghana. He is known to be one of the best lyricists in Ghana and creates music that is socially conscious while entertaining the masses. The talk was moderated by PhD student in African Studies, Milen Mehari. In their discussion M.anifest spoke on the many social issues facing people in Ghana, how music plays a role and how effective the Beyond the Return initiative has been. During the Q&A session he spoke about his greatest influences in music stemming from both American and Ghanaian artists.

The conversation didn’t remain solely on music but also on how change can be made in Africa. “Africans, Ghanaians seem to always complain about the challenges they are facing but contribute little to solving these problems,” M.anifest said. He wanted to encourage Africans to be part of the change they want to see. He noted how Africans gain a new perspective once they live in the west and return home. “There’s something about living in the west, when you come back to Africa, you start to have a colonial gaze, the sense of entitlement, you are always upset with everything, you have to check yourself, what have you contributed.?” He wanted everyone to understand that he’s not dismissing the challenges in Ghana and other African countries, but he wants to highlight that we can be the ones to make the change happen through our contributions. He said that what the young Africans do to improve their own countries will be the legacy they leave for future generations.

Story by: Ivy Prosper

Howard University in Washington DC, has officially declared the 2022-2023 school year, the ‘Year of Ghana’. Dr. Anthony K. Wutoh, Provost and Chief Academic Officer at Howard University made the announcement as part of an event that welcomed the Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Dr. Ibrahim Awal, the CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman, the CEO of the Ghana Investment Promotion Center, Yoofi Grant and Annabelle McKenzie the Director for the Beyond the Return Secretariat.

The event  featured a panel discussion, ‘Return Conversations’ which aligns with the Beyond the Return pillar, ‘diaspora pathways to Ghana’ because it builds on the idea of building bridges with the African diaspora.  It highlighted the experience of moving or travelling to Ghana and how the diaspora community can connect  with the continent of Africa.  The panel was moderated by Annabelle McKenzie and included the  CEO of GTA, Akwasi Agyeman, Sustainability Executive, Erica Daniel, and Entrepreneur, Paxton Baker.

Dr. Wutoh recently travelled to Ghana with the president of Howard University, Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick.  He spoke about the warm welcome they received and why it was important for Howard University to foster and enhance it’s

relationship with Ghana. “We want to strengthen our relationships, our partnerships with Ghana. We want to create more opportunities for our students to study abroad and to engage in a host of activities,” he said. “We have a large student and alumni population who often choose to study abroad in Ghana.”  He said they were pleased to host the ‘Return Conversations’ at Howard.

Hon. Awal expressed the importance of youth in helping support Ghana’s efforts on the next stage of economic independence.  “We want you to be ambassadors of the socio and economic transformation of Ghana and Africa. We are ready and waiting to support you,” he said. “The black race, the black continent is rich with culture, heritage and energy.”

The panel discussion was engaging and encouraged students with a Q&A session that allowed them to have conversations on bridging the gap and sharing their hopes and aspirations when it comes to connecting with the continent. One student spoke on why it meant so much to have the opportunity to hear the panel and learn that Ghana has opened its doors to the diaspora. “Hearing you say that it’s ok to come home, that means so much more to me and it’s a message that is more than I needed to hear,” said one student during the Q&A.

Akwasi Agyeman said he was excited about this being the year of Ghana. “It means there will be a lot of exciting activities and an opportunity to showcase what Ghana has,” he said.

By: Ivy Prosper