Stonebwoy’s Musical Odyssey

The album features an impressive lineup of collaborations with global icons like Wyclef Jean, Spice, and Duncan Mighty. Speaking on his partnership with Wyclef, Stonebwoy described the legendary artist as a mentor and a guiding force. “Wyclef has always been an inspiration. Working with him on Pray for Me was a dream come true. We recorded the song in New Jersey and shot the video in the UK and Jamaica. His support has been invaluable,” he shared.

Stonebwoy’s passion for bridging the gap between Africa and the Caribbean is evident throughout the project. “Music is a spiritual tool that unites us as a people,” he said. “It’s about celebrating our oneness and using creativity to connect cultures.” Tracks like “Betta Tin,” featuring Duncan Mighty, and “Shine,” inspired by South Africa’s amapiano sound, underscore this mission.

The album begins with “Psalms 23,” a spiritual chant that sets the tone for the introspective and uplifting journey ahead. Other standout tracks include “Memories,” featuring viral Caribbean sensation Ir-Sais, and “Jiggle & Whine,” a dancehall anthem with Spice. Stonebwoy’s ability to merge innovative soundscapes with traditional roots is showcased in tracks like “Jejereje,” which pays homage to Ghanaian highlife, and “Lovely Weather,” which explores his softer, romantic side.

To celebrate the album release, Stonebwoy will embark on the Up and Running tour, kicking off February 27 at Times Square in New York City. Fans can expect a high-energy showcase of his latest work and timeless hits. “It’s our time to shine,” he said. “This tour is about sharing our authentic sound with the world.”

Stonebwoy’s UP & RUNNIN6 is more than an album—it’s a testament to the enduring power of music to transcend borders and bring people together. With his unique blend of styles and commitment to cultural unity, Stonebwoy continues to solidify his legacy as a global music trailblazer.

In a recent interview, Stonebwoy opened up about the creative process behind his album, which fuses Afrobeat, dancehall, reggae, highlife, amapiano, and R&B influences. He attributes this diverse yet cohesive sound to his deep roots in music of Black origin. “My inspiration comes from reggae, Afrobeat, R&B, hip-hop, and even jazz,” he explained. “This album reflects my journey and the rich musical heritage I draw from.”

Q: Congratulations on your new album, UP & RUNNIN6! I noticed you’ve blended so many genres—Afrobeat, dance, soul, reggae, amapiano, and R&B. How did you create such a diverse yet cohesive sound?

Stonebwoy: Thank you! It’s all about tapping into the sources of my inspiration. My music stems from black-origin sounds like reggae, Afrobeat, R&B, hip hop, jazz—you name it. It’s about celebrating that rich foundation and translating it into something authentic yet modern. This album reflects those inspirations in a way that feels true to me.

Q: You collaborated with artists like Wyclef Jean, Spice, and Duncan Mighty. How did these partnerships come about, and what was the creative process like?

Stonebwoy: Wyclef Jean is like a godfather to me. He’s a foundational figure in global music, and his work has inspired my career. When we met, he was impressed by how much I’d achieved coming from Ghana, and he offered a lot of support and wisdom. We recorded “Pray for Me” in New Jersey and shot the video across the U.S. and UK, after first meeting in Jamaica. It was a special moment for me.

Working with Duncan Mighty and Spice was also incredible—they’re legends in their own right. Duncan Mighty’s influence on Afrobeat and reggae blends seamlessly with my sound, and Spice brings that iconic dancehall energy. Each collaboration brought a unique flavor to the album, making it a true celebration of diverse talent.

Q: CNN recently recognized you as one of Africa’s Changemakers for your efforts in bridging African and Caribbean music. How does it feel to receive such acknowledgment, and what keeps you motivated on this journey?

Stonebwoy: I’m deeply grateful for that recognition. As a young artist, I see this as a calling—one my ancestors would have carried out in their own ways. Music is a spiritual and powerful tool for unity, and I’m blessed to use it to bridge Africa and the Caribbean.

Our cultures share a deep oneness, and through music, arts, and creativity, I aim to keep pushing that connection forward. It’s not just about making music; it’s about being a custodian of culture and identity for black people globally. That mission keeps me grounded and motivated.

Q: If you could sum up UP & RUNNIN6 in one sentence, what would it be?

Stonebwoy: UP & RUNNIN6 is an authentic blend of music rooted in black-origin sounds, seamlessly showcasing the past, present, and future of our culture through a dynamic 13-track journey.

Q: Finally, your fans are excited for your upcoming tour. What can they expect?

Stonebwoy: We’re kicking off the Up & Running tour on February 27 at Times Square in New York City. It’s going to be an incredible experience, bringing the energy of the album to life on stage. Fans can find more details here. I can’t wait to connect with everyone and celebrate this journey together.