In a recent Instagram Live session, Ghanaian musician Stonebwoy highlighted the undeniable impact of Ghana and its iconic Highlife music on the global phenomenon of Afrobeats. The award-winning singer-songwriter was prompted by American rap star Rick Ross, who inquired about the role of Ghana in shaping contemporary music over the last decade.
Stonebwoy expressed that Ghanaian music has consistently contributed to the widespread influence of African music on the global stage. He emphasized that in the past decade, Ghanaian music has played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of Afrobeats that is resonating across the world today. Stonebwoy reaffirmed that Highlife music, in particular, has been instrumental in defining the core of the revolutionary sound of Afrobeats.
While acknowledging his efforts to bridge cultural boundaries and push the boundaries of contemporary African music, Stonebwoy revolutionized the Afrodancehall sub-genre by embracing Jamaican and Caribbean musical heritage. He also praised the emergence of artists like Black Sherif, who have combined Highlife elements with hip-hop influences to make an indelible impact on Africa’s pop music scene.
Rick Ross echoed Stonebwoy’s sentiment, describing the rise of Afrobeats as an “explosion.” Stonebwoy also paid tribute to the talented music producers from Ghana who have been instrumental in shaping the Afrobeats sound. He highlighted the contributions of producers such as StreetBeatz and Mix Masta Garzy, naming some of their notable works with prominent artists in the industry.
StreetBeatz, in particular, has solidified his reputation with hit songs like Adonai Remix by Sarkodie featuring Castro, Shuga for Stonebwoy, and Darkovibes’ Inna Song (Lime & Gin) featuring King Promise. Mix Masta Garzy has also collaborated with a diverse array of artists, including Stonebwoy, Sarkodie, Davido, Patoranking, and Harmonize.
Stonebwoy concluded the conversation by sharing insights into his latest project, a 17-track album titled 5th Dimension, which features chart-topping songs like Manodzi, Into the Future, and Apotheke, among others. His testimony on the impact of Ghanaian music on the global scene serves as a reminder of the rich musical heritage emanating from the West African nation.
