Ghanaian dancehall star, Stonebwoy, has expressed concerns about the state of the country’s creative industry, stating that the widespread celebration of mediocrity is hindering true excellence.
Speaking on the Afrobeats Podcast in New York, the ‘Jejereje’hitmaker emphasized that while outstanding talent should naturally shine, it is often overshadowed by the aggressive promotion of substandard work.
“They used to say in Ghana that good beads don’t talk, but in today’s world, nonsense is being pushed because of substandard work and the celebration of mediocrity,” he remarked.
Stonebwoy stressed that genuine excellence does not require self-promotion, likening it to the quiet wealth of billionaires who do not need to proclaim their riches. He referenced Aliko Dangote and other prominent African business moguls as examples of individuals whose achievements speak for themselves.
“Excellence must speak for itself. If you have to explain it, then something is wrong. Look at Dangote, Ibrahim Mahama—these men don’t go around saying they are rich, because their work proves it. But in our industry, people with no real achievements are the loudest,” he added.
The award-winning artist attributes part of the problem to the influence of unqualified individuals shaping industry trends. According to him, those driving the cultural narrative often lack the necessary knowledge and depth.
“The people influencing trends know nothing, yet they have the loudest voices. That’s why we are regressing as a society,” he lamented.
Stonebwoy also reminisced about the golden era of Azonto music, highlighting its significant role in shaping the Afro-dance sound. He believes that era had the potential to cement Ghana’s place in global music history but was not properly nurtured.
