Stonebwoy’s music is deeply rooted in themes of consciousness.
The Ghanaian artist consistently aims to elevate the human spirit through his songs. His new album, UP & RUNNIN6, brings this vision to vibrant life, showcasing his collaborative spirit alongside various artists.
TunesDeck recently had the pleasure of hosting Stonebwoy in our NYC office, where he shared his inspiration behind the album title “up and running.” He mentioned the phrase reflects an active pursuit of purpose. “It’s about gathering energy and running with a mission,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of impact.
The album features 13 intricately made tracks that showcase Stonebwoy’s ambitious artistic journey. It truly highlights the global essence of Black music, shaped by his unique creative approach.
In the reflective track “Pray For Me,” he collaborates with Wyclef Jean, a partnership that sprang from social media interactions. The two artists deepened their connection during a recent panel at the Island Music Festival.
After their festival encounter, Stonebwoy mentioned visiting Wyclef’s home in New Jersey, where their collaboration materialized. He views Wyclef as a mentor within the music industry, committing to the spread of love and positive messages through his work. “Working with him was a dream come true for me,” Stonebwoy shared.
The album also features engaging collaborations with Caribbean artists Jahmiel and Spice in the tracks “Overlord” and “Jiggle & Whine,” blending their unique styles seamlessly into the album’s dynamic sound. Regardless of its diverse influences, the heart of UP & RUNNIN6 remains firmly entrenched in African musical narratives.
Stonebwoy’s connection to local culture is profound. He aims to evoke a nostalgic authenticity often overlooked in contemporary African music. He cites “Jejereje,” among the album’s singles, as a representation of this mission. Likewise, “Betta Tin” showcases a vintage sound, enhanced by contributions from Nigerian artist Duncan Mighty.
His albums generally showcase two core elements: melody and reflection. This unity is evident in “Lovely Weather,” a standout track that allows Stonebwoy’s vocal talents to shine as he conveys complex emotions in a relatable manner. With R&B as a foundation, love is at the forefront, skillfully expressed through his distinctive style. “Stonebwoy embodies the essence of Black music,” he stated, highlighting his connection to Ghanaian culture.
Stonebwoy’s perspective on promoting Afrobeats is invigorating. He believes African artists should take charge of their narratives, drawing from local heritage to shape their music.
“The global industry has its challenges,” he noted, discussing how the continent’s vastness can sometimes overshadow individual artists. He emphasized the importance of storytelling, drawing from traditional wisdom to craft their narratives. “The lion must learn from the hunter’s storytelling,” he mentioned, suggesting that artists should embrace their unique perspectives even while navigating global opportunities.
UP & RUNNIN6 also aims to spotlight emerging Black artists like Amaria BB from Guyana, Kingston’s 10Tik, and Ghana’s Larruso, encouraging listeners to explore the burgeoning talent from Ghana. He also acknowledges younger artists like Episode, Ayisi, Fameye, and Ara The Jay, urging fans to watch for their growth.
Stonebwoy sees UP & RUNNIN6 as an evolution of his previous work, Fifth Dimension. Not necessarily in sound but in the depth of perspective—he shares his learned insights through his music. His creative process includes straightforward steps: laying melodies, crafting lyrics, and then adding adlibs.
“Understanding our creative process is inspiring,” he commented. “Sometimes it’s hard to articulate, but when we get onto the mic, the message flows for the audience.”
The album opens with “Psalm 23,” infused with diverse Black influences. Its upbeat energy evokes the image of a person driving along a highway, enjoying the vibrations. His chorus highlights his strong belief in faith as vital to his artistry: “Before we touch e road, Psalm 23 before we touch e road.”
“Running with a mission is crucial,” he concluded. “As someone uniting Black music through Afro-dancehall from Ghana, it’s my responsibility to keep inspiring others who share this vision.”
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