Today, when ‘eras’ and ‘realms’ have become a popular point of discussion, CARIB VOXX joins Ghanaian superstar, Stonebwoy, in another dimension to speak about his upcoming album, 5th Dimension, and the state of affairs between Afrobeat, Dancehall, Reggae music, and the world.
Born Livingstone Etse Satekla, Stonebwoy is an award-winning Ghanaian musician and songwriter, having racked up multiple BET Awards and a Grammy nomination. His unique blend of Reggae, Dancehall, and Afrobeat music, combined with his powerful lyrics, have made him the successful artist he is today and a flag bearer, bringing visibility to several cultures. This masterful mixture of genres can once again be observed in his upcoming album, not only through his own style and production but also through dynamic collaborations.
When asked by CARIB VOXX what fans can expect from his upcoming album, Stonebwoy confidently replied, “Craziness. It’s a total representation of the Caribbean and Africa.” He continued to explain that it represents a blend of cultures: Afropop and “Afro-Dancehall” music (a term of which he is a pioneer). One surprise fans should be on the lookout for is a Reggae track on the album; he gave no specifics, however, just that it should be met with much anticipation.
5th Dimension follows Stonebwoy’s previous album, Anloga Junction which was released in 2020. “The growth since Anloga Junction has been impeccable, and I give thanks to God and glory to the Most High,” he reflected regarding the three years between projects.
Notably, this will be Stonebwoy’s first album since signing with Def Jam Records. He explained to CARIB VOXX that his pioneering signing with the record label was a first-of-its-kind deal, propelling his music as well as African and Ghanaian music as a whole.
Two songs have been released from the 5th Dimension album, one of them being ‘More of You’, produced by Supa Dupes and Izybeats. Stonebwoy excitedly told CARIB VOXX that upon hearing the instrumentals, he immediately thought, “love song” and something for the ladies, as he states, “love is the ultimate.” He describes the single as a proper blend of his defining genre, Afro-Dancehall.
Paying homage to the creation of the Afro-Dancehall fusion, Stonebwoy contemplated the impact Dancehall and Reggae music have had on him and his music noting simply, “Without both genres, I wouldn’t be talking to you today.”
With regard to the recently popular narrative that Afrobeats is taking the space that Dancehall should be occupying globally, Stonebwoy protested, “Foolishness!” He believes that both genres carry separate elements. However, a merger of the genres through sounds and collaborations will only be beneficial to both and everyone involved. He stated that Reggae and Dancehall are loved in Africa, so a love for Afrobeats in Jamaica or anywhere else in the world where both are appreciated shouldn’t pose a problem.
Big on creating connections between genres and cultures, Stonebwoy wants to negate the separation of African and Caribbean music. He believes that the music comes from the same roots and experiences. This is why, in his own career, he has made an effort to collaborate with Jamaican artists. On his upcoming album, he features Jamaican acts, Shaggy and Dexta Daps. However, his track record with Jamaican artists outside of this album is also impressive. Stonebwoy has collaborated with the likes of Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, and Kranium, just to name a few.
When asked if there are any other names he looks forward to working with from Jamaica, he stated that he is not really pinpointing collaborations but rather focusing on building solid relationships in the Jamaican music scene. He believes they share the same goal and ambition, to drive the music forward to the future.
It is evident that Stonebwoy is a gem to any culture he represents, and CARIB VOXX expects the album to be representative of his passion and dynamism.
5th Dimension will be released later this month with great anticipation globally.
