Ghanaian reggae/dancehall musician, Livingstone Etse Satekla, popularly known as Stonebwoy, has urged for the integration of home-based players into the national team, the Black Stars, seeing them as key to the rise of the team.
The award-winning dancehall artist’s call comes in light of the team’s recent struggles, including their failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Black Stars have faced a disappointing decline in performance, finishing bottom of Group F in the qualifiers after six matches without a single victory.
Angola and Sudan secured the top two spots to advance, leaving Ghana in a challenging position.
The Stonebwoy emphasized the necessity of incorporating local talent into the national squad. “It is very important to have local players as part of the building of the national team,” he said.
“The little I understand is that these teams need to be built from the grassroots, and local inclusion is key. We cannot just rely on players called from outside. We have to build a system where we can grow our own. If we cannot fish into the Black Stars from the Ghana Premier League, then what is the use of the Ghana Premier League?
“It’s very important to include players from Ghana. If we cannot fish into the Black Stars from the Ghana Premier League, then what is the use of the Ghana Premier League? It’s very important to include players from Ghana.”
Stonebwoy
Recently, five home-based players received call-ups for the AFCON qualifiers from Black Stars coach Otto Addo against Angola and Niger, indicating a potential shift towards recognizing local talent.
Nations FC defender Razak Simpson impressed in both games, endearing himself to Ghanaian football fans.
Ghana U20 star and Thoughts FC player Jerry Afriyie also netted on his Black Stars debut against Niger, as reported by Ghana Soccernet.
This call by Stonebwoy re-echoes the point made by many Ghanaians over the year for local-based players to be integrated into the senior national team.
Some have even argued that a quota should be allocated for players in Ghana’s domestic leagues.
Stonebwoy Reveals Location for Bhum Festival
Ghanaian musician, Stonebwoy has confirmed that this year’s Bhim Festival will not take place at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Last year, about 40,000 people thronged the stadium in the capital to witness Stonebwoy and billed acts in their glory.
The concert became a crucial point for Bhim Nation loyalists as they debated about his fortunes at the 25th Telecel Ghana Music Awards, where he was crowned Artiste of the Year.
This year, Stonebwoy’s Bhim Festival, a combination of two music experiences, the Bhim concert, and Ashaiman to the World will move to a new, albeit smaller, venue.
In a recent update, the musician announced the iconic La Palm Royal Beach Hotel as his new pick for this year’s Bhim Festival scheduled for December 21.
The venue has previously hosted several shows, including Tidal Rave Festival and Black Sherif’s Zaama Disco.
Tickets for Stonebwoy’s upcoming show starting at GH₵200 went on sale after his recent update.
It’s unclear if the ‘Jejereje’ hitmaker will recruit international guests for the December showdown.
Last year, Jahmiel and 10Tik were billed to unpack the feel of his 5th Dimension album, which was released shortly before the concert.
Fans reacted to Stonebwoy’s update.
“Sure thing it’s Bhim to Bhim. We preach peace.”
@browzaGH
“Beach???? Stonebwoy carry matter come.”
@Babs1Gad
“I’m gonna do this before I move to the country side.”
@kAs_Worldwide
“22nd be Sunday 😭. How many go go work on Monday.”
@whyte_freak
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