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.

The Global Citizen Festivals in Accra and New York City were a huge success. Together they generated over $2.4 Billion in commitments to end extreme poverty. It was a 6-week campaign that ended in a massive festival which began with an epic show in Accra, Ghana and closed out with an equally fantastic show in New York City. The event was broadcast and streamed around the world on YouTube, Twitter, ABC, ABC NewsLive, Amazon Music, Apple Music, Apple TV, iHeartRadio, Hulu, Veeps, SABC, TimesLive, TV3, Twitch and through the Global Citizen App.

Global Citizen is an organization dedicated to ending extreme poverty around the world. They believe that everyone has a chance to thrive and should be given equal opportunities. They focus on global issues of climate change, poverty and inequality. They are the world’s largest movement making an impact on ending poverty. They engage globally with government leaders, businesses, philanthropists, artists and your average citizen to make a difference in the world.

For the last decade, they have had an annual festival featuring global artists that has generated actions around the world. The governments of Ghana and South Africa joined forces to announce an initiative called the African Prosperity Fund. It aims to deploy $1 billion to fund projects for economic inclusion and financial participation across the continent. There will be a focus on projects related to the African Continental Free Trade Area like infrastructure development, financial access for women and youth, healthcare, technology, education, and sustainability. “We have a limited window of opportunity to act decisively to lift millions of people out of poverty, promote inclusiveness and equality, and safeguard the health of our planet. Each one of us has a sacred and moral obligation to bequeath to the next generation a healthy planet, free from poverty, conflict, discrimination, hunger and disease. I call on the youth of the world, especially, and, in particular, the youth of Africa, to play an active role in achieving the SDGs. The world needs your creativity, knowledge, reach and energy to help find innovative solutions to the challenges facing our world.” said H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana.

In New York, members the U.S. Congress came together with philanthropists, private sector leaders and trailblazers to support the festival. Countries from around the world that made commitments included France, Canada, Norway, the Netherlands, and Slovenia. Private sector companies also made big contributions to commit to areas of inclusion, infrastructure, education and technology.

On the Global Citizen Festival stage in Accra, epic performances by Usher, SZA, Stormzy, Gyakie, Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, TEMS and Uncle Waffles had the crowd entertained all night long. The show was hosted by award-winning actor, playwright and activist, Danai Gurira and featured a host of other presenters including Berla Mundi, Joselyn Dumas, Michaela Coel, Nomzamo Mbatha, and Sabrina Dhowre Elba. In New York there were performances by Metallica, Mariah Carey, Charlie Puth, Jonas Brothers, MÅNESKIN, Mickey Guyton, Rosalia, Angélique Kidjo and Billy Porter. The New York how was hosted by actor, producer, author and Global Citizen Ambassador Priyanka Chopra Jones and featured Amber Ruffin, Antoni Porowski, Bill Nye, Chris Redd, Folake Olowofoyeku, Jay Shetty, Katie Couric, Katie Holmes, Misty Copeland, Rachel Brosnahan, Tamron Hall, Van Jones and more.

By: Ivy Prosper

ACCRA, GHANA September 7, 2022 — Culture Management Group (CMG) announced today Burna Boy and Stonebwoy as the musical headliners for Afrochella Festival 2022. To accompany these two heavy hitting artists, the two-day futuristic event will also include Afrobeat stars like Fireboy, Kidi, Ayra Starr, Medikal, DJ Juls, DJ Loft and more. With such an unstoppable musical lineup, this highly anticipated event is set to return to El Wak Stadium in Accra, Ghana from December 28th through December 29th. 

Afrochella is a celebration of Africa’s diverse culture and vibrant work showcased by the continent’s many emerging creatives, artists, and entrepreneurs. This year, Afrochella’s theme is “AfroFuturism,” a term created to reflect on the past, explore the future and create a progressive path for the present African diaspora. 

To bring “AfroFuturism” to life, Afrochella’s music festival will be transformed to encompass several cultural concepts – all created to take a step into the future of art, music, fashion, culture and food. Each area will bring together a mosaic of local artists, musicians, culinary enthusiasts and creatives to design an interactive and unexpected universe for festival goers to enjoy. 

“As we embark on another year of celebrating African culture, Afrochella will bring “Afrofuturism” to life through our core elements of music, art, fashion and food. We will explore the endless possibilities of what “Afrofuturism” could look like in 2022 and beyond.” – Abdul Karim Abdullah, CEO & Co-Founder of Afrochella 

As one of the most celebrated cultural moments in Ghana, this year we have the exciting challenge of bringing 20,000 travelers to the country. We plan to not only achieve this goal but to make Ghana the premier destination for all travelers around the world.” – Kenny Agyapong Jr., COO & Co-Founder of Afrochella 

The Afrochella Festival will comprise of 50 vendors including 15 fashion, beauty and the arts merchants as well as 35 food vendors featuring cuisines from all over the continent including Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Ethiopia, Senegal and more.

This year, Afrochella will also be introducing “Afrocanteen,” a one-of-a-kind exclusive food experience, located right on the festival grounds. 

The Afrochella Expo at Afrochella House will kick off on December 18th and run through December 31st. The Afrochella experience will feature the following flagship events and elements: 

● Afro Expo 2022 Presented by Afrochella House: A two week expo located at the Afrochella House, a cultural content center that will host a series of digital experiences, wellness sessions, screenings and panel discussions in the world of culture, technology, health, sustainability, music and art – connecting the 

diaspora to industry experts and changemakers building opportunities on the ground and across the continent. 

● Rising Star Challenge: Artists across the African continent will have the opportunity to submit their musical profile for a chance to perform at the 2022 Afrochella Festival. The 1st place winner of the Rising Star Challenge will win a grand prize of $2,500, a studio session with an acclaimed producer and more. 

● Fashion Night Out: Afrochella presents Fashion Night Out, an evening to celebrate the innovation and beauty of African Fashion and its multi-talented designers with art installations and live performances. 

● Afrochella Music Museum: A museum-like experience that will take the audience on a journey through the past into the future with live performances, art installations, and digital and printed imagery. 

● Afrochella Talks: A conversation series dedicated to discussing African business, music, food, and creativity. 

● New Year’s Eve Celebration x PVO: Afrochella partners with PVO to bring in the New Year with an unforgettable end of year celebration. 

For more information on Afrochella 2022, please visit www.afrochella.com and follow @afrochella on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on the latest news and events.

SOURCE: Afrochella