Early Life and Education
Livingstone Etse Satekla, known professionally as Stonebwoy, was born on March 5, 1988, in Ashaiman, a suburb of Accra, Ghana. He was the youngest of eight children and was raised in a Christian household. His early exposure to music came through his family’s church, where he developed a passion for singing and performing.
Stonebwoy attended Tema Methodist Day Secondary School, where he completed his high school education. He later enrolled at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, to pursue a degree in Marketing in 2013.
However, he left his studies to focus on his burgeoning music career. In June 2024, he graduated with a degree in Public Administration from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA). In September 2024, he returned to GIMPA to pursue a Master of Arts in International Public Relations and Diplomacy.
Musical Journey and Career Trajectory
Stonebwoy’s musical journey began in his early school days. He realized his talents as a lyricist and scriptwriter at a young age, writing and acting in drama pieces as early as his fourth year in primary school. His stage name, “Stonebwoy,” was inspired by his admiration for the late Jamaican reggae legend, Peter Tosh, whose original name was Peter McIntosh.
He gained prominence in the Ghanaian music scene with his debut album, Grade #1 (2012), which showcased his unique blend of reggae, dancehall, and afrobeats. His follow-up album, Necessary Evil (2014), earned him multiple awards, including three Ghana Music Awards from six nominations. In 2017, he released Epistles of Mama, a tribute to his late mother, which further solidified his status in the music industry.
In 2020, Stonebwoy released Anloga Junction, which featured collaborations with international artists and received critical acclaim. His fifth studio album, 5th Dimension, was released on April 28, 2023, debuting at No. 8 on the Billboard Reggae Albums Chart. His most recent release, the single “Jejereje,” was released on September 24, 2024.
Musical Style and Influences
Stonebwoy’s music is characterized by a fusion of reggae, dancehall, and afrobeats, often delivered in Jamaican Patois. His lyrical themes encompass social issues, love, and personal experiences, reflecting his commitment to authenticity and cultural representation. Influenced by artists like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Shabba Ranks, Stonebwoy has carved a niche for himself in the global music scene, promoting African culture and reggae music worldwide.
Awards and Recognition
Stonebwoy’s talent and contributions to music have earned him numerous accolades:
- 2015: BET Awards – Best International Act: Africa
- 2015: Vodafone Ghana Music Awards – Artist of the Year, Reggae/Dancehall Artist of the Year
- 2015: All Africa Music Awards – Best African Reggae, Ragga, and Dancehall Artist
- 2016: International Reggae and World Music Awards – Most Promising Act
- 2018: Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards – Favorite African Star
- 2018: 3Music Awards – Reggae/Dancehall Artist of the Year
- 2019: African Entertainment Awards USA – Best Male Artist
- 2020: International Reggae and World Music Awards – Best African Reggae/Dancehall Entertainer
- 2022: Vodafone Ghana Music Awards – Reggae/Dancehall Artist of the Year
In 2020, the Grammy Awards recognized Stonebwoy with a plaque for his role as a featured performer on the Grammy-nominated single “Avrakedabra” by Morgan Heritage.
Major Performances and Tours
Stonebwoy has performed on international stages, including:
- Reggae Sumfest (Jamaica)
- Afro Nation Festival (Portugal)
- Rototom Sunsplash (Spain)
- Global Citizen Festival (Ghana, 2022), where he shared the stage with artists like Usher, SZA, Sarkodie, and Tems.
His performances are known for their energy and cultural representation, earning him a dedicated global fan base.
Personal Life
Stonebwoy is married to Maali, a dental surgeon and ambassador for World Oral Health. Together, they have two children: Catherine Jidula Satekla and L Janam Joachim Satekla. The couple is known for their philanthropic efforts, including the establishment of the Livingstone Foundation, which supports education and healthcare initiatives in Ghana.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
Through the Livingstone Foundation, Stonebwoy has made significant contributions to Ghanaian society:
- 2017: Sponsored five students from his alma mater, Tema Methodist Day Senior High School.
- 2018: Donated GH₵5,000 to the accident ward of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
- 2020: Distributed free sanitizers to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 2022: Renovated a basic school serving four towns near his hometown in collaboration with the Duffour Foundation
