# Stonebwoy

Livingstone Etse Satekla (Born 5 March 1988), better known by his stage name Stonebwoy, is a Ghanaian Afropop, Afro-dancehall and reggae musician from Ashaiman, Accra.
He is the CEO of Burniton Music Group. He won the Best International Act: Africa category at the 2015 BET Awards and Artiste of the Year at the 2015 and 2024 Ghana Music Awards. He is also a recipient of two Billboard plaques. Stonebwoy received the Golden Club plaque from Boomplay after surpassing 100 million streams on the platform. He has been described as the king of reggae and dance hall in Africa. Stonebwoy is also an actor, having appeared in the movies Happy Death Day and My name is Ramadan. He is a global ambassador for sanitation. In September 2019, he was made the brand ambassador for Voltic Natural Mineral Water. He is the brand ambassador of Tecno mobile in Ghana.
In 2022, he signed to Universal Music Group's Def Jam Recordings, and its flagship Def Jam Recordings Africa, to release his fifth studio album 5Th Dimension (2023), which debuted number eight(8) on Billboard Reggae Albums Charts. He is commissioned to make three albums under the label.

## Life and music career

Etse was born in Ashaiman in the Greater Accra region of Ghana and began making music in his early school days. He realized his talents and abilities as a lyricist and scriptwriter at an early age, remembering writing and acting drama pieces as far back as his fourth year in primary school.
He obtained his high school certificate at Tema Methodist Day Secondary School and later enrolled at the University of Professional Studies to pursue a degree in Marketing, in 2013. However, he cut short his studies to focus on his music.
In June 2024, Stonebwoy graduated with a degree in public administration from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA). In September 2024, Stonebwoy returned to GIMPA for a Master of Arts programme in International Public Relations and Diplomacy.
His fifth studio album 5th Dimension, was released on 28 April 2023. It debuted No. 8 on Billboard Reggae Albums Charts.
His most recent release was on 24 September 2024, and is a single titled "Jejereje." The song's title translates from local parlance to “one's cup of tea,” implying that a person's actions shape their fate.

## Recognition and musical style

Stonebwoy normally sings in Jamaican Patois (Patwa or Patwah). In 2015, he received awards and nominations ranging from "Artist of the Year" to "Album of the Year". His sophomore album, Necessary Evil, was the recipient of three Ghana Music Awards from 6 nominations. Nana Appiah Mensah, CEO of gold dealership company Menzgold, sent out words of encouragement to Stonebwoy on Instagram for Stonebwoy being supportive. On 18 April 2019, Nana Appiah Mensah posted a photo of Dance hall act Stonebwoy saying he is proud of the Bhim Nation president for defending him and that God bless him.
He was listed as part of the 2019 50 (fifty) young CEOs, by YCEO and Avance media. The list, which was launched in 2018, honours distinguished young people providing solutions to some of Ghana's problems.
In 2020, the Grammy Awards handed a plaque to Stonebwoy in acknowledgment of his role as featured performer on Grammy award-nominated single "AVRAKEDABRA" by Morgan Heritage.
In 2021, three albums on which Stonebwoy featured were nominated for the 2022 Grammy Awards.
In 2022, Vodafone Ghana recognized him for using his creativity and music to promote the awareness of environmental and sustainability issues. His song "Greedy Men" received an award and a cash reward of GH¢ 10,000.
In acknowledgment of his achievement in securing the 8th position on its chart, Billboard honored him with a certified plaque.

## Philanthropy

Stonebwoy established the Livingstone Foundation. In January 2017 the foundation announced a sponsorship package for five students of the Tema Methodist Day Senior High School, his alma mater. As part of celebrations for Stonebwoy's 30th birthday, the foundation donated a sum of GH¢5,000 to the accident ward of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in March 2018. Stonebwoy has also opened the official BHIM merch shop in Ashaiman. Proceeds from the shop are used to fund activities of the Livingstone Foundation.
In 2020, the Livingstone Foundation in collaboration with the BHIM Merchandise Shop gave out free sanitizers as parts of efforts to combat the coronavirus spread in Ghana. Stonebwoy also donated sanitizers and other items to the Police Department in Ashaiman to aid them in discharging their duties during the coronavirus pandemic in Ghana.
In 2022, the Livingstone Foundation together with Duffour Foundation renovated a basic school that serves four towns close to Stonebwoy's hometown.

## Endorsements

Stonebwoy is the brand ambassador for Big Boss, an energy drink. In September 2020, Stonebwoy was named Tecno Mobile brand ambassador and unveiled the Camon 16 Series in October 2020.

## World tours and notable performances

Stonebwoy kicked off his world tour in the Euro-zone in August 2014. He performed in Germany, Italy, Spain and Austria. In his 2016 Canada-America tour, he performed in New York City, Ohio, Philadelphia and Ontario. In the same year, he played in Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney.
In his second Euro tour, he played in Denmark, Finland and Sweden in the last quarter of 2017. Stonebwoy performed at Reggae Sumfest, Afro nation festival in Portugal, Rotterdam reggae festival, Uppsala Reggae Festival. Rototom Sunsplash.
Stonebwoy headlined the 2022 Global Citizen Festival at the Black Star Square, Accra alongside SZA, Usher, Sarkodie, Gyakie, H.E.R, Stormzy and Tems . His performance was adjudged one of the best by industry professionals, critics and patrons.

## Discography
### Studio albums

* Grade #1 (2012)
* Necessary Evil (2014)
* Epistles of Mama (2017)
* Anloga Junction (2020)
* 5th Dimension (2023)
* Up & Running (2024)

### Singles

| Year | Title | Album | Ref. |
| 2012 | Rat Race | Grade #1 | |
| 2012 | Head Up/Above the Sky | Grade #1 | |
| 2012 | Kiss n Cry | Grade #1 | |
| 2012 | Please Don't Go | Grade #1 | |
| 2012 | Onumade | Grade #1 | |
| 2012 | Agoro | Grade #1 | |
| 2013 | Party Again | Necessary Evil | |
| 2013 | Pull Up | Necessary Evil | |
| 2013 | No Sir | Necessary Evil | |
| 2014 | Wicked | Necessary Evil | |
| 2014 | Physically | Necessary Evil | |
| 2014 | Bhim Nation | Necessary Evil | |
| 2014 | Baafira | Necessary Evil | |
| 2014 | Ex Boyfriend | Necessary Evil | |
| 2014 | Can't Cool | Necessary Evil | |
| 2014 | So Real | Necessary Evil | |
| 2014 | Gwaan | Necessary Evil | |
| 2014 | Real Warrior | Necessary Evil | |
| 2014 | Murderer | Necessary Evil | |
| 2014 | More Gyal | Necessary Evil | |
| 2015 | Go Higher | Non-album single | |
| 2015 | Mightylele | Non-album single | |
| 2016 | People Dey | Non-album single | |
| 2016 | We made it | Non-album single | |
| 2016 | Problem | Non-album single | |
| 2016 | Last Station | Non-album single | |
| 2016 | Guy Guy | Non-album single | |
| 2016 | Sapashini | Non-album single | |
| 2016 | Any Day | Non-album single | |
| 2016 | Sick Inna Head | Non-album single | |
| 2016 | By Grace | Non-album single | |
| 2017 | My Name | Non-album single | |
| 2017 | Come From Far(Wo Gb3 J3k3) | Non-album single | |
| 2017 | Falling Again | Non-album single | |
| 2017 | Hero | Non-album single | |
| 2017 | Enkulenu | Non-album single | |
| 2018 | Dirty Enemies | Non-album single | |
| 2018 | Kpo K3K3 | Non-album single | |
| 2018 | Loyalty | Non-album single | |
| 2018 | Tomorrow | Non-album single | |
| 2018 | Smile Time Done(S.T.D/Worldwide) | Non-album single | |
| 2018 | Most Original | Epistles of Mama | |
| 2018 | Wame | Non-album single | |
| 2018 | Top Skanka | Non-album single | |
| 2019 | Shuga | Non-album single | |
| 2019 | Tuff Seed | Non-album single | |
| 2019 | Ololo | Non-album | |
| 2019 | Big Boss | Non-album | |
| 2019 | Black People | Non-album | |
| 2019 | More | Non-album | |
| 2019 | Take me away | Non-album | |
| 2019 | Take me there | Non-album | |
| 2019 | What a place | Non-album | |
| 2020 | Sobolo | Non-album | |
| 2020 | Good morning | Anloga Junction | |
| 2020 | African Party | Anloga Junction | |
| 2020 | Understand | Anloga Junction | |
| 2020 | Le Gba Gbe | Anloga Junction | |
| 2020 | Nominate | Anloga Junction | |
| 2020 | Everlasting | Anloga Junction | |
| 2020 | Journey | Anloga Junction | |
| 2020 | Nkuto | Anloga Junction | |
| 2020 | Only Love | Anloga Junction | |
| 2020 | Motion | Anloga Junction | |
| 2020 | Bow Down | Anloga Junction | |
| 2020 | Critical | Anloga Junction | |
| 2020 | Black Madonna | Anloga Junction | |
| 2020 | African idol | Anloga Junction | |
| 2020 | Strength and Hope | Anloga Junction | |
| 2020 | Putuu | Non-album | |
| 2020 | Blaze Dem | Non-album | |
| 2020 | Activate | Non-album | |
| 2021 | 1Gad | Non-album | |
| 2021 | We move | Non-album | |
| 2021 | Blessing | Non-album | |
| 2021 | Outside | Non-album | |
| 2021 | Ariba | Non-album | |
| 2021 | Greedy Men | Non-album | |
| 2021 | Nukedzor | Non-album | |
| 2022 | Therapy | 5TH DIMENSION | |
| | Gidigba | Non-album | |
| 2023 | Life & Money (featuring Stormzy) | | |
| 2024 | Stonebwoy - OVERLORD | | - |
| 2024 | Jejereje | Non-album single | |

#### Featured in

* 2021: "Guns of Navarone" (Sean Paul feat. Jesse Royal, Stonebwoy & Mutabaruka)

## Awards and nominations

Awards won by Stonebwoy and his nominations :
| Year | Award ceremony | Award Presented | Nominated work/recipient | Result |
| 2015 | BET Awards | Best International Act | Himself | Won |
| 2015 | Vodafone Ghana Music Awards | Artist of the Year | Himself | Won |
| 2015 | Vodafone Ghana Music Awards | Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year | Himself | Won |
| 2015 | All Africa Music Awards | Best African Reggae, Ragga and Dancehall | Himself | Won |
| 2015 | MTN 4Syte Music Awards | Best Reggae/Dancehall Video | Himself | Won |
| 2015 | MTN 4Syte Music Awards | Best Directed Video | Himself | Won |
| 2015 | MTN 4Syte Music Awards | Most Influential Artist | Himself | Won |
| 2016 | International Reggae and World Music Awards | Most Promising Act | Himself | Won |
| 2016 | Vodafone Ghana Music Awards | Reggae/Dancehall Song of the Year | Himself | Won |
| 2016 | Ghana Music Awards UK | Most Popular Song of the Year | Himself | Nominated |
| 2016 | Ghana Music Awards UK | Reggae/Dancehall Song of the Year | Himself | Won |
| 2016 | Ghana Music Awards UK | Artiste of the Year | Himself | Nominated |
| 2016 | Ghana Music Awards UK | Album of the Year | Himself | Won |
| 2017 | BET Awards | Best International Act | Himself | Nominated |
| 2017 | Vodafone Ghana Music Awards | Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year | Himself | Won |
| 2017 | Vodafone Ghana Music Awards | Reggae/Dancehall song of the Year | Himself | Won |
| 2018 | All Africa Music Awards | Best Reggae/Dancehall African Artiste | Himself | Won |
| 2018 | Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards | Favorite African Star | Himself | Won |
| 2018 | 3Music Awards | Reggae/Dancehall artiste of the Year | Himself | Won |
| 2018 | 3Music Awards | Twitstar of the Year | Himself | Won |
| 2018 | 3Music Awards | Instagram Star of the Year | Himself | Won |
| 2018 | Vodafone Ghana Music Awards | Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year | Himself | Won |
| 2019 | African Entertainment Awards USA | Best Male Artiste | Himself | Won |
| 2019 | AFRIMA 2019 | Best Reggae Dancehall Artiste | Himself | Won |
| 2020 | International Reggae and World Music Awards | Best African Reggae/Dancehall Entertainer | Himself | Won |
| 2022 | 3Music Awards | Reggae/Dancehall Act of the Year | Himself | Won |
| 2022 | Vodafone Ghana Music Awards | Vodafone Green Award | Himself | Won |
| 2022 | Vodafone Ghana Music Awards | Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year | Himself | Won |
| 2022 | Vodafone Ghana Music Awards | Music for Good | Greedy Men | Won |
| 2022 | Vodafone Ghana Music Awards | Best Collaboration | Enjoyment Minister (featured) | Won |
| 2023 | Vodafone Ghana Music Awards | Best Afro Pop of the Year | | Won |
| 2024 | Telecel Ghana Music Awards | Reggea Dancehall Artiste of The Year | | Won |
| 2024 | Telecel Ghana Music Awards | Album of The Video | | Won |
| 2024 | Telecel Ghana Music Awards | Record of the Year | | Won |
| 2024 | Telecel Ghana Music Awards | Best International Collaboration of the Year | Manodzi | Won |
| 2024 | Telecel Ghana Music Awards | Best Songwriter of the Year | Manodzi | Won |
| 2024 | Telecel Ghana Music Awards | Artiste of the Year | Himself | Won |
| 2024 | YEN Entertainment Awards | Best Male Artist of the Year | Himself | Pending |
| 2024 | YEN Entertainment Awards | Most Stylish Male Celeb | Himself | Pending |
| 2024 | 3Music Awards | Album of the Year | 5th Dimension | Pending |
| 2024 | 3Music Awards | Artiste (MVP) of the Year | | Pending |
| 2024 | 3Music Awards | Best Collaboration of the Year | "Likor" | Pending |
| 2024 | 3Music Awards | Digital Act of the Year | | Pending |
| 2024 | 3Music Awards | Highlife Song of the Year | "Manodzi" | Pending |
| 2024 | 3Music Awards | Video of the Year | "Manodzi" | Pending |
| 2024 | 3Music Awards | Performer of the Year | BHIM 5th Dimension Concert 2023 | Pending |
| 2024 | 3Music Awards | Reggae/Dancehall Song of the Year | "Non-Stop" | Pending |
| 2024 | 3Music Awards | Reggae/Dancehall Act of the Year | | Pending |
| 2024 | 3Music Awards | Song of the Year | "Into the Future" | Pending |
| 2024 | Ghana Music Awards USA | Artist of the Year | Himself | Nominated |
| 2024 | Ghana Music Awards USA | Reggae/Dancehall Artist of the Year | Himself | Won |
| 2024 | Ghana Music Awards USA | Most Popular Song of the Year | "Into the Future" | Nominated |
| 2024 | Ghana Music Awards USA | Best Collaboration of the Year | "Likor" | Nominated |
| 2024 | Ghana Music Awards USA | Best Collaboration of the Year | "Manodzi" | Nominated |
| 2024 | Ghana Music Awards UK | Artist of the Year | Himself | Pending |
| 2024 | Ghana Music Awards UK | Reggae/Dancehall Artist of the Year | Himself | Pending |
| 2024 | Ghana Music Awards UK | Most Popular Song of the Year | "Into the Future" | Pending |
| 2024 | Ghana Music Awards UK | Most Popular Song of the Year | "Likor" | Pending |
| 2024 | Ghana Music Awards UK | Best Collaboration of the Year | "Likor" | Pending |
| 2024 | Ghana Music Awards UK | Best Collaboration of the Year | "Manodzi" | Pending |
| 2024 | Ghana Music Awards UK | Songwriter of the Year | "Manodzi" | Pending |
| 2024 | Ghana Music Awards UK | Best Music Video of the Year | "Manodzi" | Pending |
| 2024 | Ghana Music Awards UK | Best Music Video of the Year | "Into the Future" | Pending |
| 2024 | Ghana Music Awards UK | Best Afropop Song of the Year | "Into the Future" | Pending |
| 2024 | Ghana Music Awards UK | Best Afropop Song of the Year | "Not God (Remix)" | Pending |
| 2024 | Ghana Music Awards UK | Best Afrobeats Song of the Year | "Likor" | Pending |

### Entertainment Achievement Awards

In March 2021, his album Anloga Junction won the Album of the Year award in the Entertainment Achievement Awards. He also won the Male Artist of the Year Award.

### 3Music Awards

In March 2021, his album Anloga Junction won the Album of the Year award in the 3Music Awards. His song Putuu Freestyle (Prayer) won the Viral Song of the Year.

### International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA)

In May 2021, he was nominated for the 'Best African Dancehall Entertainer Award'.
He has been honored by Billboard after securing 8th position on Reggae Chart and received a plaque.

## Personal life

Stonebwoy is married to Maali, a dental surgeon and ambassador for World Oral Health with two children, Catherine Jidula Satekla and L Janam Joachim Satekla.