Ghanaian Dancehall/Reggae artist Stonebwoy has urged aspiring musicians to look beyond their local dialects and blend them with other languages to achieve global recognition. Speaking at the Cultural Day celebration organized by the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) on November 15, Stonebwoy highlighted the importance of versatility in music.
According to him, seamlessly integrating local languages into songs while deliberately intertwining them with other languages can help artists make a global impact. He emphasized that music is a universal language and encouraged musicians to prioritize this perspective rather than perceiving linguistic barriers as discrimination.
“It is not easy crossing over to the mainstream,” he noted, addressing how artists from minority ethnic backgrounds could overcome challenges in making their songs successful. “It takes more than just language to blow,” he added, citing the legacies of Philip Gbeho, composer of the Ghanaian national anthem, and Ephraim Amu, renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to Ghanaian music, as examples of individuals who transcended linguistic and ethnic limitations.
Stonebwoy acknowledged the challenges faced by artists across Ghana’s diverse regions in reaching wider audiences. “Somebody from the north also faces the same struggle; it is not easy to cross over into the Ashanti Region and vice versa,” he remarked. Drawing from his own experiences, he shared how maintaining regionally specific songs in his performances has helped him connect with audiences. “I have songs that when I go to the Volta Region, I make sure they are on my set list. The way the people there react to them is so heart-warming. They just love it,” he said.
The event, themed Bridging Cultures, Shaping Futures, was organized by UPSA’s Centre for International Education and Collaboration (CIEC). It featured exhibitions, discussions, and a food bazaar showcasing the diverse cultural heritage of the African continent. The celebration aimed to foster unity and understanding among students through an exploration of cultural diversity.
Stonebwoy’s advice resonated with the theme of the day, as he encouraged upcoming artists to embrace their cultural roots while creating music that transcends boundaries. The Cultural Day not only highlighted the richness of African traditions but also underscored the role of collaboration and innovation in shaping the future of music and culture globally.
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