Ghanaian dancehall sensation Stonebwoy
Ghanaian dancehall sensation Stonebwoy has once again cemented his reputation as a Master of Performance following his standout appearance at the 2025 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMAs).
Known for his deliberate stagecraft and rich symbolism, Stonebwoy left audiences captivated, not just with his music but with the powerful messages woven into every element of his act.
Over the years, Stonebwoy has delivered some of the most memorable performances at the TGMAs. One may recall his 2024 entrance, where he turned his back to the audience in a symbolic display of artistic depth.
At this year’s ceremony, however, it was the Ankh symbol, the spiky Bantu knot hairstyle, and his flawless live transitions that sparked conversation and admiration.
The Ankh: a symbol of life and legacy
During his performance of “Send Dem”, Stonebwoy appeared holding an Ankh, an ancient Egyptian hieroglyph that symbolizes life, immortality, and spiritual power.
The Ankh, often referred to as the “key of life,” dates back to Egypt’s First Dynasty (29th–30th century BCE) and is widely recognized as a representation of eternal life and divine energy.
The choice of this symbol was no coincidence. In his acceptance speech after winning Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year for the 10th time, Stonebwoy emphasized longevity, perseverance, and consistency in his music career.
“This is not just for the culture, but for the years of hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance that went into it. This should be my 10th Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year, back to back to back,” he declared.
He further elevated the symbolism by tying a red ribbon to the white Ankh, a gesture representing power, strength, and vitality, perhaps a nod to his unwavering drive and resilience in the music industry.
As he neared the end of his performance, Stonebwoy lifted the Ankh to the sky and declared:
“God is the Almighty and the protector, the giver of life and talent. No one can take that away. Burn down all negativity and bad mind.”
Transitions and cultural fusion
Another highlight of Stonebwoy’s performance was his seamless musical transitions. At one point, it became difficult to tell whether he had switched songs or was still within the same rhythm, his flow was that smooth.
His transition from “Send Dem” to other hits like “Overlord” and “Sobolo” displayed not only his vocal range but his technical finesse.
Adding to the cultural richness of his act, performers in traditional attire from various Ghanaian ethnic groups took the stage, dancing to the rhythm of “Sobolo”.
This served as a celebration of Ghana’s diversity and unity through music and dance.
Stonebwoy also paid homage to his roots by incorporating elements of highlife, Ghana’s beloved genre, into his performance, an effortless blend that showcased his versatility and deep appreciation for local music traditions.
The spiky Bantu knot hairstyle
Equally symbolic was Stonebwoy’s hairstyle, a modern, spiky variation of the Bantu knot, a style with deep African cultural significance.
The hairstyle is more than an aesthetic choice; it represents; Self-love and acceptance, rejection of eurocentric beauty norms, a celebration of African heritage and identity
By wearing it on such a global stage, Stonebwoy reinforced his commitment to uplifting African identity and asserting cultural pride through every aspect of his artistry.
Watch the video below:
JHM/EB
