By Kyrian Chikay, News Mirror, Accra Ghana.
From Accra, Ghana. Ghanaian music icon Livingstone Etse Satekla, popularly known as Stonebwoy, has once again demonstrated how artistry can drive advocacy. In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, Stonebwoy aligned himself with policymakers, business leaders, women, and young entrepreneurs at the launch of the “Make Africa Borderless Now!” movement, organized by Drive to Inspire – Africa and the Africa Prosperity Network.
The celebrated artist emphasized that Africa’s youth are sending a clear message to leaders: the continent needs freedom to move, innovate, collaborate, and trade without barriers. His words reflect the urgency of unlocking Africa’s vast potential, with a consumer market of 1.5 billion people—over one billion of whom are under the age of 35.
Stonebwoy wrote:
“I joined H.E. Alexandre Barro Chambrier, Vice President of the Republic of Gabon, and chairman and CEO of the APD Mr. Gabby Otchere Darko, alongside policymakers, business leaders, women, and young entrepreneurs, for the launch of the Make Africa Borderless Now! movement.
This is a positive call from the youth of Africa. We are sending a positive message to our leaders that we need the freedom to move, innovate, collaborate and trade freely across our continent.
Africa is a 1.5 billion–strong consumer market, with over one billion people under the age of 35. Our future depends on how boldly we unlock this potential.
Join us at the Accra International Conference Centre tomorrow if you’re registered, or tune in live online from 10am as I perform the official theme song, ‘Believe In Africa,’ and we symbolically bring down the Berlin Conference walls while pushing for a visa-free Africa and more.”
His performance of the theme song “Believe In Africa” was more than music—it was a symbolic act of tearing down the Berlin Conference walls, a reminder of Africa’s colonial past, and a bold call for a visa-free continent.
Stonebwoy was born on March 5, 1988, in Ashaiman, Ghana. Known for his unique blend of Afropop, Afro-dancehall, and reggae, he has built a career that bridges cultures and continents. He launched his career with the album Grade 1 in 2012 and has since become one of Africa’s most influential musicians.
His discography includes Necessary Evil (2014), Epistles of Mama (2018), Anloga Junction (2020), 5th Dimension (2023), and Up & Runnin6 (2024). These projects have featured collaborations with international stars such as Keri Hilson, Diamond Platnumz, and Sean Paul, cementing his global appeal.
Stonebwoy’s achievements are numerous. He won the BET Award for Best International Act: Africa in 2015, has twice been named Artiste of the Year at the Ghana Music Awards, and has received Billboard plaques for charting works. He also earned a Boomplay Golden Club plaque after surpassing 100 million streams. Beyond music, he has served as a global ambassador for sanitation and youth empowerment, reflecting his commitment to social causes.
Stonebwoy is the founder of the Livingstone Foundation, which supports education, healthcare, and skills development for young people. His advocacy extends to continental issues, including the push for a visa-free Africa, which he has championed through both music and activism. His projects consistently highlight the importance of unity, innovation, and empowerment, making him not only a cultural figure but also a voice for Africa’s future.
Stonebwoy’s involvement in the “Make Africa Borderless Now!” movement underscores the role of artists as agents of change. His message of “Believe In Africa” is a call to action for leaders and citizens alike, reminding us that Africa’s destiny lies in bold steps toward integration and prosperity. His career, awards, and social projects stand as proof that creativity, when combined with vision, can inspire transformation across generations.
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