Multiple Award-winning Ghanaian singer and songwriter, Livingstone Etse Satekla, known professionally as Stonebwoy, has opened up about his rise to prominence and the individuals who played key roles in his success.
He recounted that during his youth, a preacher at a bus station, known locally as a ‘Trotro’ station, prophesied that he would become a great person in the future.
This prophecy amazed him at the time, but it has since come true.
“While we were getting into a ‘Trotro’ station at Lashibi, a prophetic man stopped us and said, ‘This guy will be a very great person.’ He always reminds me of that. So today, when we talk on the phone or see each other, I think, ‘Is this really us?”
Stonebwoy
Stonebwoy also highlighted the support he received from various personalities in the entertainment industry, including broadcaster Abeiku Santana, who allowed him to rap on the radio.
The BHIM Nation leader mentioned other supporters like Quick Action and other industry figures who helped him succeed.
“It’s only through the love from genuine people that we’ve come this far. Abeiku Santana would slip me a note or two after ‘Kasahare’ [rap], and that would sustain me through school from Monday to Friday after I performed it.
“If I didn’t, Doctor Duncan would be on my case that weekend. Quick Action once said on Joy FM, ‘Stone is a humble guy who would be under my studio desk with groundnuts and corn.’”
Stonebwoy
“The first person to give me a collaboration that brought me on TV was Abeiku Santana. He put me on a gospel song because he believed in me. God bless Ekow Poncho, who also believed in me. I believe I haven’t let them down, and some are even surprised by my achievements,” he added.
Stonebwoy is one of Ghana’s most outstanding artists, having won the prestigious Telecel Ghana Music Awards ‘Artiste of The Year’ twice and numerous other local accolades.
He also won the Best International Act at the 2015 Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards, establishing his brand on the international stage.
Accompanied By Bodyguard First Three Weeks to Class
Stonebwoy disclosed that he attended classes at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) accompanied by his bodyguard for three weeks before he was permitted to attend independently.
He explained that this arrangement was made because his bodyguard was concerned about his safety, but after three weeks, he was permitted to attend classes on his own.
Reflecting on his journey at GIMPA, Stonebwoy shared more about the support he received during this time.
The reigning TGMA Artiste of the Year reiterated that his wife, Dr. Louisa Satekla, was responsible for purchasing and registering him for the GIMPA course.
Beyond his academic pursuits, Stonebwoy delved into various aspects of his life and career, touching on key collaborations, personal interests, and family values.
He expressed his admiration for collaborating with the Beninese-French singer-songwriter Angélique Kidjo on his track ‘Manodzi,’ describing the experience as remarkable and commending her for her unsolicited guidance.
The leader of BHIM Nation also expressed his interest in fashion, attributing it to his mother’s profession as a seamstress, and noted that he alters most of his clothing. He also stressed the significance of taking one’s time with fatherhood and family responsibilities, stating, “There are two things no one should rush into: being a dad and a family person.”
Stonebwoy proudly asserted that his children possess greater talent than he does and recounted personal anecdotes, including winning a visa lottery at the age of 13 and spending three days in Korle Bu Teaching Hospital following a family accident on the motorway.
Stonebwoy highlighted his distinctive style, mentioning that he wears grills on his teeth, as he believes Ghana’s designation as the Gold Coast holds significant meaning.
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