COVER: Stonebwoy is in his superstar element with new album 5th Dimension
It is said that the number five (5) in numerology denotes prosperity, freedom and change. And judging by the perfection that is Stonebowy’s fifth studio album is indicative of an era of elevation, is a complete realisation of what he was called to do from as young as his primary school days, he said.
The award-winning 35-year-old from Ashaiman, a suburb of Accra – Ghana, has worked with a legion of prominent artists from around the world, like Keri Wilson, Sean Paul, Trey Songz, Burna Boy and Alpha Blondie.
His current collaboration with legends such as Shaggy and Angelique Kidjo, among other artists such as Davido, Tiwa Savage and Mereba, are partnerships that he dubs as a “fulfillment of a passionate calling,” that further fortifies his place within the industry.
Listen to his new album HERE
“It’s a journey for me, reaching my 5th studio album and having especially foundational and inspirational legends such as Shaggy and Angelique Kidjo – just wraps it all in a nutshell. Since Shaggy is a global culture custodian from the Caribbean and Angelique is also an equal powerhouse from Africa. Not to mention the incredible brothers and 2 sisters also featured, this is fulfilling,” he said.
According to the global superstar, 5th Dimension took three years to complete and is a global sound from Africa, anchored on love, peace and consciousness.
In addition to his current tracks ‘Life & Money’ featuring Stormzy, and “More Of You,” 5TH DIMENSION also includes hitsongs such as ‘Therapy,’ and “Far Away.” ‘Life & Money,” in particular, is a red-hot track showing off the potent fusion of reggae, hip-hop, Afrobeat, and trap talent that has made Stonebwoy one of Africa’s most important new young artists.
Real name Livingstone Etse Satekla, Stonebwoy made the realisation that the arts was his chosen path when he immersed himself into scripting, acting in the Drama Club and putting words together rhythmically.
“Life had it such that at one point there was nothing else insight to focus on than my talent. Then I realized my calling and found my purpose.”
That discovery led him to pursuing music in his second year of high school, releasing his debut single, with his second following in his third year of high school.
His burning desire led him to release his third blow up single Empress, that really cemented his name as a pioneer of Afro-Dancehall and thus producing 5 impeccable albums that has catapulted him to greater heights.
“Afro-Dancehall has always been my fusion of style right from the onset because I feel the need to be the difference by representing African styles both born in Africa and in the diaspora. This is why I know that, for me, it is a calling more than just an interest to do music.”
And for someone who has traversed through life’s difficulties, Love, peace, hope, strength and progress are values he stands upon. The 5th Dimension is therefore a mirror of these values. A mirror of him.
“My life has been a challenge from birth but I’m highly inspired by my mother who empowered me with the character of a warrior, teaching me the morals that I’ve always used to triumph over very difficult times. To me Life is not supposed to be only hard or soft, the combination of both is the reality.
“My ultimate dream is to be able to perform my music to the world, and make an impact in my society and country with my talent. And knowing that I have been able to be a beacon of hope and light and inspiration to people thus far, through the use of my talents, while I also educate and entertain them, has been the biggest pride to date. A round up to the dream I’ve always had in mind,” he said.
As the years pass, he describes his long standing affair with music, as a medium that he strongly believes chose him, as the best way through which he communicates to his spirits while also learning or being entertained.
“All in all, I want my career and life journey to offer lessons of having faith in God and in oneself, how to never give up on your dreams nor pay attention to the negative mindsets and energy that we are faced with. I believe that we are but vessels passing through life and a life of purpose is an inspiring one,” he said.
5TH DIMENSION by STONEBWOY – tracklist:
1. Life & Money featuring Stormzy
2. Far Away
3. More of You
4. Ava Wum Lo
5. Therapy featuring Oxlade & Tiwa Savage
6. Forget
7. Secret Lover featuring Dexta Daps
8. Run AM featuring Mereba
9. Into The Future
10. In Control featuring Jaz Karis
11. Activate featuring Davido
12. My Sound featuring Shaggy
13. Apotheke with Maphorisa
14. African System
15. Where is the Love
16. Non-Stop
17. Manodzi featuring Angelique Kidjo