Stonebwoy to Be Honored at 2025 Howard University Homecoming for Globalizing African Music.

By: Kenneth Appiah Bani

Ghanaian Afro-dancehall superstar Stonebwoy will receive a special honor during Howard University’s 2025 Homecoming Takeover on October 23, presented by the Warner Music/Blavatnik Center for Music Business in partnership with Warner Music Group, 300 Entertainment and Atlantic Records. The celebration part of the university’s “One of One” homecoming theme underscores Howard’s commitment to celebrating uniqueness, innovation and trailblazing excellence on its 101st anniversary. Howard officials note that the theme “One of One” highlights the university’s historic impact and leadership in scholarship and innovation, aligning with Stonebwoy’s role as a singular figure in global music.

Stonebwoy has been a pioneering force in globalizing African music. Warner Music Group’s ADA Worldwide praised him as “in a league of his own,” noting that his “genre-blending style has resonated with millions of fans around the globe” and helped “shine a light on the rich and vibrant sounds coming out of Africa”. Grammy.com similarly observed that the Ghanaian artist “has connected sonic and cultural dots on a scale scarcely rivaled in Ghana’s music history”. In tracks like “Blessing” and albums such as Anloga Junction and 5th Dimension, Stonebwoy fuses Afrobeats, reggae, dancehall, hip-hop and R&B while remaining rooted in Ghanaian tradition. His music and image whether performing in Accra or on international stages exemplify the Howard Homecoming’s “One of One” ethos of unique, innovation-driven excellence and cultural authenticity.

Stonebwoy’s impact extends beyond catchy rhythms. He “often weaves socially conscious messages into his songs,” drawing on themes like economic development, environmental issues and Pan-African unity. In interviews he emphasizes that music is a tool to address national and global challenges, embedding “teachings and reflections” in his lyrics to inspire listeners. He has been lauded for “bridging the gap between Africa and the Caribbean,” reflecting his identity in what GQ calls “Afro-Dancehall” and CNN named him an African Voices Changemaker. By promoting messages of unity and positive change through his art, Stonebwoy’s work aligns closely with Howard’s mission to elevate Black and African diaspora voices in culture and industry.

Stonebwoy’s career is marked by firsts and accolades. He became the first Ghanaian artist to top the Billboard World Albums chart (with Epistles of Mama in 2017) and to surpass 100 million streams on Audiomack. His single “Blessing” hit 1 million YouTube views in 24 hours a Ghanaian record and he has collaborated with global stars like Sean Paul, Burna Boy and Shaggy. Critically, he won Best International Act: Africa at the BET Awards and Artist of the Year at the Ghana Music Awards. An accomplished live performer, Stonebwoy has co-headlined major festivals (e.g. Afrochella with Burna Boy) and toured in over 15 countries. These achievements underscore his status as a trailblazer: a unique talent whose success embodies the Homecoming’s celebration of Black excellence and global influence.

Stonebwoy to Be Honored at 2025 Howard University Homecoming for Globalizing African Music.

Howard University’s decision to honor Stonebwoy reflects its broader educational goals. The Warner Music/Blavatnik Center for Music Business fellowship at Howard explicitly “prepares Howard students for success in the music industry” and aims to create “advocates to represent our community’s interests in the music/entertainment industry”. By highlighting Stonebwoy an African artist who innovates across genres and inspires international audiences the Homecoming Takeover emphasizes the university’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in music and culture. As the official Howard news release on the “One of One” theme states, the university is bound by its motto of “truth and service” to lead in scholarship, innovation and affirming humanity. Honoring Stonebwoy at the Homecoming Takeover aligns perfectly with that mission, underscoring the power of cultural exchange and the global reach of Black artistry.

Sources: Information compiled from Howard University news releases and music industry publications. (Photos: courtesy of Burniton Music Group and Warner Music Group)

Stonebwoy to Be Honored at 2025 Howard University Homecoming for Globalizing African Music.

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