From Ghana to D.C. – Stonebwoy Visits Howard University

Stonebwoy with students at Howard University’s Warner Music Blavatnik Center for Music Business(Crystalyn Johnson/101 Mag)

Did someone say “1 GAD?” Stonebwoy sure did. 

On Thursday, Sept. 26, Ghanaian artist Livingstone Etse Satekla more commonly known as Stonebwoy captivated an audience of Howard University students at the Warner Music Blavatnik Center for Music Business.

During a panel discussion on his career in the music industry, the multi-award-winning musician shared insights into his journey on how he navigates global success while staying true to his Afro-dancehall and reggae, roots.

“The talent we possess doesn’t belong to us, it comes through us, but it belongs to humanity,” said Stonebwoy, during the panel.

He set the tone for a conversation that touched on duality, culture, social justice and the importance of being well-rounded. He emphasized that storytelling is at the heart of his music. 

He explained how his lyrics often draw from personal experiences and reflect broader societal issues.

“We have to pay attention to our own issues and make sure that we’re progressing and excelling,” said Stonebwoy.

Stonebwoy inside of the Warner Music Blavatnik Center for Music Business at Howard University (Crystalyn Johnson/101 Mag)

A major theme of the panel was the art of duality. Stonebwoy explained how he balances between being an artist and being a current graduate student at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration studying international relations and diplomacy.

The session ended with a lively Q&A, where students eagerly sought advice from the global superstar on how to break into the music industry. 

“It was a nice experience having Howard bring in a Ghanaian artist to speak to the students because we barely see African music artist representation in school,” said Ghanaian Howard student, Jesse Panyin Awuah.

Stonebwoy’s approachable demeanor left a lasting impression, with many students walking away feeling inspired to pursue their passions with authenticity and purpose.

“The way he spoke about his story and how it led him to music, I thought it was very inspirational to not just myself but to everyone there because you got to know about the struggles he went through to get to his music career and personally relate to it,” said Jesse.

His appearance at the Warner Music Blavatnik Center highlighted not only his musical talents but also his commitment to remaining true to his roots.

As he continues to rise on the global stage, his dedication to his music and his Ghanaian heritage remains a guiding light for artists worldwide, underscoring the transformative power of music and the importance of cultural authenticity in the industry.