Dickson Boadi Hails Stonebwoy, Reflects On How BHIM Fest London Proved His Global Vision As Afro Dancehall Pele

Dickson Boadi Hails Stonebwoy

 

OpenLife Nigeria reproduces a piece by renowned public relations practitioner  and journalist, Dickson Boadi, in which he applauds the growing entertainment fortune of his friend, Stonebwoy

When the conversation turns to Afro-Dancehall, Livingstone Etse Satekla — popularly known as Stonebwoy — does not need much introduction.

Over the years, he has built his name not just through music and stagecraft, but through the unique way he has carried Ghanaian and African sounds to audiences around the world.

For me, Stonebwoy has now reached a stage where I can confidently give him another title: the Afro Dancehall Pele.

I know it is a big name. But I believe he has earned it.

Why “Pele”?

Pele was not just a footballer. He became a symbol of excellence, influence and the ability to take his craft beyond his immediate environment. In my view, Stonebwoy is showing similar qualities in music.

His understanding of the creative arts goes beyond recording songs. He understands branding, entertainment, his audience, and most importantly, how to build a movement around his craft.

His recently held BHIM Fest in London is the clearest example yet.

BHIM Fest Takes Wembley

On August 15, 2026, Stonebwoy took BHIM Fest to the OVO Arena Wembley in London — giving the festival its first international edition and putting a Ghanaian-led music event on one of London’s biggest stages.

For me, the significance of that night went beyond Stonebwoy performing for his fans.
It was about the growth of the BHIM brand.
It was about Ghanaian music.
And it was about the growing influence of African music on the international stage.

The London edition brought together some of Africa’s biggest names: Patoranking, Tiwa Savage, Mr P, Samini, Fameye, DopeNation, Juma Jux, Kwabena Kwabena and Ofori Amponsah.

Seeing artistes from different backgrounds and generations come together under the BHIM Fest banner was what made the event special.

Patoranking and Stonebwoy represented two strong voices in African dancehall, Tiwa Savage brought her Afrobeats power, and Mr P added his experience and energy. It became a major African music gathering in London.

More Than Just A Performer

But the biggest story remained Stonebwoy himself.

He was not simply the artiste on stage at Wembley. He was the man behind the platform that brought all these different sounds together.

That is where he deserves serious recognition.

An artiste who is only interested in himself will focus on his own set. But an artiste who understands the bigger picture will create opportunities for other musicians while strengthening his own brand.

BHIM Fest is gradually becoming that platform.

Stonebwoy has turned the BHIM identity into something fans can connect with. It is more than a name on his songs. It has become a community and a movement.

That takes consistency. That takes vision. That takes understanding your people. Stonebwoy has built that over the years.

From Ashaiman To The World

His journey from Ashaiman to international stages is also a reminder that African artistes do not have to abandon their roots to go global.

Stonebwoy continues to carry Ghana with him. His music blends dancehall, reggae, Afrobeats and African rhythms, but he has created a sound that people can immediately identify as Stonebwoy.

In today’s industry, many are talented. Few build a brand that can stand on its own. Stonebwoy has.

That is why BHIM Fest London should not be seen as just another concert. It was a statement.

It showed that a Ghanaian artiste can build a festival capable of attracting major African stars and take it to a major international venue.

It also sends a message to young Ghanaian musicians: the world is open to African creativity. You can start from Ashaiman, Accra, Kumasi, Tamale or anywhere in Ghana and still dream of the biggest stages in the world.

The Afro Dancehall Pele

Stonebwoy has had his difficult moments, but he has continued to evolve. He has remained relevant in an industry where staying relevant is sometimes harder than becoming famous.

His collaborations across Africa and beyond have also helped carry Ghanaian music to wider audiences. And now BHIM Fest has taken another major step. London is another chapter.

For me, that is what makes Stonebwoy’s journey worth watching. He is not simply trying to be the biggest artiste in Ghana. He appears determined to put African music in a much bigger global conversation.</p>

That is why I call him the Afro Dancehall Pele.

Not because he is the only artiste making an impact, but because he has shown a rare combination of talent, consistency, creativity, influence and vision.

Pele made football look bigger. Stonebwoy is helping make Afro-Dancehall look bigger.

BHIM Fest London added another important chapter to that story. And if Stonebwoy continues on this path, the conversation around Ghanaian music on the international stage will keep changing.

So, from my perspective, the name fits: STONEBWOY — THE AFRO DANCEHALL PELE.