Entertainment
Stonebwoy kicks off tour with stellar performance at Bayfront Reggae & World Music Festival in Duluth
Stonebwoy, the global dancehall, reggae, and afrobeats icon, kicked off his highly anticipated 5th Dimension North America and Canada Tour with an electrifying performance at the Bayfront Reggae & World Music Festival on July 15.
The renowned Ghanaian singer-songwriter and performer set the stage ablaze in Duluth, Minnesota, captivating fans with his signature blend of infectious energy, soulful vocals, and a heartfelt connection that defines his remarkable artistry.
Described as an unforgettable spectacle that marked a pivotal moment on his much-anticipated tour, the Bayfront Reggae & World Music Festival show marked the official beginning of Stonebwoy’s extensive world tour, aptly named after the trending album “5Th Dimension.”
The concert opened with an explosion of lights and music, instantly immersing the audience in an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement. From the first note to the last, Stonebwoy’s electrifying set was a tour de force of talent and creativity.
Combining elements of afropop, afrobeats, amapiano reggae, and dancehall, his performance showcased the breadth and depth of his musical repertoire.
The international superstar effortlessly navigated through a catalog of chart-topping hits, including songs from his new album such as “Life & Money” featuring UK rap heavyweight Stormzy; “Manodzi” featuring multi-Grammy award-winning singer Angelique Kidjo; “Therapy”, “Far Away”, “Apotheke”, “My Sound”, “Into The Future” and “Non-Stop”. Other popular singles such as “Strength & Hope,” “Nominate,””, “Activate”, “Most Original”, Shuga,” and “Run Go” were each met with an overwhelming response from the sea of concertgoers who sang along in unison.
The 5Th Dimension tour continues its journey across North America and Canada, before heading to Europe later this year for a three-date UK tour, and based on the fervor witnessed at the Bayfront Reggae & World Music Festival, the remaining shows promise to be nothing short of extraordinary. Stonebwoy’s next stop is in Georgetown, Guyana, at the Emancipation Festival on August 1.
From there, he is expected to wind through a total of 10 major U.S. and Canada cities all in August.
Stonebwoy’s “5Th Dimension” North America tour dates:
1st August, Georgetown, (GUYANA),3 August, New York, NY (USA),6th August, Boston, MA (USA), 9th August, Hartford, CT (USA),11th August, New York, NY (USA)12th August, Philadelphia, PA (USA),13th August, Washington, DC (USA),16th August, Atlanta, GA (USA),20th August, Detroit, MI (USA),25th August, Toronto, ON (CANADA),26th August, Edmonton, AB (CANADA), 27th August, Vancouver, BC (CANADA)Stonebwoy’s “5Th Dimension” Europe & UK tour dates:,26th October, Manchester,
27th October, Birmingham and 27th October, London.
5th Dimension, Stonebwoy’s follow-up to his 2020 LP, Anloga Junction, arrived April 28 via Universal Music Group and DefJam Recordings. The 17-song record includes “Manodzi” (which features multi-GRAMMY award-winner Angelique Lidjo), “Life & Money” (which features Stormzy), and “Into The Future”.
The album thematically incorporates Afrobeats, reggae, dancehall, amapiano, folk, and other genres while leaning primarily toward pop-related themes. It showcases the artist’s evolution and growth, pushing boundaries and delving into uncharted musical territories.
Stream the 5th Dimension’’ album here: https://stonebwoy.lnk.to/5Dimension
Watch “Forget” visuals here: https://youtu.be/DRVFQR3L0bQ?list=RDDRVFQR3L0bQ
Watch “Into The Future” visuals here: https://youtu.be/gMINOvYsblk
Entertainment
Empress Gifty to thrill patrons at MTN Stands In Worship on Easter Sunday
Ghanaian gospel heavyweight, Empress Gifty is set to thrill thousands at this year’s MTN Stands In Worship event.
The programme brings believers together annually to celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ.
This year’s edition, slated for the Grand Arena on Sunday, April 20, will feature Empress Gifty.
Against this backdrop, the anointed gospel musician has urged all patrons to come with a heart of worship and praise.
She is optimistic that a lot of miracles will happen through the ministration.
“Through our ministrations instant miracles will happen and you are going to have an encounter with God,” she told The Spectator.
Empress Gifty again appealed to patrons not to come alone, but with their families and friends to receive blessings.
Empress Gifty, who had a big song dubbed Watch Me, has been nominated in the Best Traditional Gospel Song of the Year and Gospel Artiste of the Year categories at this year’s 26th Telecel Ghana Music Awards.
Entertainment
Sista Afia keen on winning Highlife Artiste of the Year crown
Ghanaian music diva, Sista Afia is keen on winning the Highlife Artiste of the Year crown.
Sista Afia, the only female nominated in a category with men, had 27 successful shows,both locally and internationally, within the year under review.
This notwithstanding, she believes that the number of music releases coupled with numerous performances across the country and abroad puts her in pole position to win the ultimate.
She is of the belief that as the only female in the category testifies the level of work she put in to be amongst the men.
Sista Afia has therefore urged the board, the academy and the general public to vote for her massively to win the crown.
For the past 10 years, she has poured her heart and soul into preserving and innovating Ghana’s beloved highlife sound, weaving modern rhythms with soulful melodies that keep the genre alive in the hearts of the youth.
While trends have come and gone, Sista Afia stayed true to her roots, giving us timeless music that tells real stories, our stories.
What makes her presence powerful isn’t just her voice or her music; it’s her message. In every note she sings, there’s a quiet defiance. A reminder that women, too, can carry the legacy of highlife.
The 26th TGMA is slated to take place on May 10 at the Grand Arena.
The event will see varied performances and artistes who have distinguished themselves in the year under review rewarded.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
