The reigning ‘Artiste Of The Year’ at the 25th Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA), Livingstone Etse Satekla better known as Stonebwoy, has responded to allegations that he was responsible for the cancellation of Shatta Wale’s show at the TF Hotels at the University of Ghana over the weekend.
Both artistes were billed to perform at the University of Ghana Campus on June 8, Stonebwoy was scheduled for the Limann Hall karaoke night while Shatta Wale was billed to perform at the JT Nelson Yankah Hall artiste night.
However, hours to the JT Nelson Yankah Hall concert, organizers of the show received an ‘order from above’ refraining Shatta Wale from performing at the artiste night.
On the other hand, Stonebwoy was able to proceed with his performance without any interruption.
Due to the rivalry between the two artistes, speculations and rumors were rife that Stonebwoy had ‘used his connections to prominent personalities and authorities’ to prevent Shatta Wale from performing at the artiste night.
However, speaking on the matter since it emerged, Stonebwoy refuted the speculations concerning his involvement in the matter.
“It was really ridiculous to have heard that [I had Shatta’s show canceled] because it’s just like waking up in the morning to being accused strongly of extra powers. You know I have power but I cannot abuse it.
“And I have nothing at all to do with it, so I’m surprised where the accusations will be coming from.”
Stonebwoy
The eight-time Reggae Dancehall Artiste of the Year emphasized that he does not have much to say.
“But I believe it’s normal, as you know, with a brother like him [Shatta Wale] always to find a way to make me look very powerful, he believes in your power.
“That’s the only thing I can say about it because I don’t even know where to start. Like, it’s ridiculous. I ain’t clashing anymore. The thing is, if anybody has to clash with me with all due respect, I think you have to be on my level.”
Stonebwoy
The “Manodzi” hitmaker further stated that his rivalry days with artists in the industry are behind him.
“I’m not in any rivalry with anybody. I just have to state that because this is a good opportunity to let the world know I’m not in a rivalry situation. I’m a married man.”
Stonebwoy
According to the 2024 TGMA Artist of the Year winner, he said, “I’m solid. I’m not fighting anyone. We can all see.”
Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale, two of Ghana’s most popular dancehall musicians, have been known to be feuding for years.
However, according to Stonebwoy, “a beef is when you get replies. A rivalry is when it’s back and forth. So it’s not worth it. It’s not qualified to be called a rivalry…”
Although both artists have sought out peace in the past, it’s been a topsy-turvy relationship for two of Ghana’s biggest artists.
Stonebwoy to Empower Young Talents With Exciting Initiative
Stonebwoy unveiled an exciting initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of Ghanaian musical stars.
The dancehall/reggae artist shared his vision for “Bhim Nation Next Generation,” described as an “academy” platform to empower and mentor young, up-and-coming artists.
“You are going to be hearing about Bhim Nation Next Generation, which is going to be like an academy for these young ones because till yesterday everybody knows when I find a platform I’m putting guys on.”
Stonebwoy
The 2024 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) Artiste of the Year winner expressed his heartfelt satisfaction at providing opportunities he lacked in his early career.
“This is Bhim Nation Next Generation and I love to do this every time. It gives me joy and happiness to always uplift [others] because it reminds me of my very early beginnings and these are opportunities that were never really there.
“So if I am here, I feel it, I know it [and] I get that empathy, so I am pushing and it’s not like pity, but I love it…”
Stonebwoy
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