Stonebwoy has called for greater consciousness in African music, stressing that artists have a role to play in advancing unity across the continent.
Speaking at OkayAfrica’s Culture Cafe in Accra, the musician, who has often spoken in support of a borderless Africa, said more intentional messaging is needed to drive conversations around Pan-African identity.
He said collaborations between African artists have already helped to strengthen connections across countries, but argued that more can be done to maximize their impact. “The musical collaboration is one of the easiest tools we can all capitalize on and take advantage of to disseminate this consciousness we have to actually preach,” he said, when asked whether such partnerships have made the bridge stronger.
Stonebwoy added that while music continues to connect audiences across borders, the content within it remains crucial. He said artists have a responsibility to be mindful of the messages they share, using their platforms not only to entertain but also to promote awareness and reinforce unity among Africans.
He further called for the inclusion of political and socially conscious themes in music, saying this can help educate and conscientise listeners across the continent. “We have to be conscious about our music as well to be able to put political messaging inside so that it continues to teach and conscientize one another on the continent,” he said, adding that he sees no justification for divisions among Africans living on the same continent.
Source: Ameyaw Debrah
