At this year’s Ghana Music Awards, Afro- dancehall superstar born Livingston Etse Setekla, addressed by the public as Stonebwoy during his performance told a rich African history, thrilling and entertaining patrons and music lovers. As an artiste who comes from the great Ewe lineage, the act told the history of how his forefathers escaped and freed themselves from ethnic and tribal oppressions and intimidations.

Stonebwoy entered the stage, facing the audience with his back, representing and symbolizing how his forefathers and ancestors escaped from the Notse- The rich and iconic historic event took place when the brave and indigenous people of the Ewe tribe broke through the walls of Notse in order to escape from oppressions.

The act’s magnificent and unprecedented state-of-the-art was an iconic representation and symbol of resilience, liberation, revolution of his forefathers and ancestors – It also mirrored his own resilient and inspirational musical journey, successes and achievements.

Since the 80’s and 90’s, Ghanaian artistes have tapped into culture, history etc of Africa and their forefathers to create their music and craft- These acts have used the struggles, hurdles, wars, civilizations, revolutions, achievements etc to create their history- telling and revisiting sounds and records.

One Ghanaian creative who was always heard using the culture, life, struggles, hurdles, history etc of his people to make music was Okomfo Kwadee in the 80’s and 90’s – A couple of his songs talked about the history and life of Africans especially Ghanaians.

After Kwadee and his pals, the Bhim Nation president has been tapping into the diverse culture and traditions of his people, creating his sounds- He has always projected the image of his mother tongue by featuring it in his songs.

At the awards night, Stonebwoy didn’t only tell the African history but gave a captivating and magnificent performance – He begun with his ‘Manodzi’ record featuring Beninese singer and Grammy award winning act Angelique Kidjo after his Kingsman had introduced him with some local and indigenous proverbs.

Stonebwoy performed a couple of his hit songs including Into the Future, Ekelebe featuring Nigerian rapper Odumodu Blvk etc.

From his vixens, costumes, choice of songs, vocals, vocal dexterity, timing to his full performance, Stonebwoy was artistically, creatively and technically flawless, wowing his audience and patrons.

He won six awards including the ultimate Artiste Of the Year.

written by Ibrahim Farouk