Ghanaian Dancehall/Reggae artiste Stonebwoy has encouraged up-and-coming musicians to expand their horizons by blending their local dialects with other languages to connect with global audiences.

Stonebwoy highlighted the importance of integrating local languages into songs while deliberately incorporating cross-language elements and actively promoting their music.

“Crossing over to the mainstream isn’t easy, but music is a universal language. We should keep this in mind and not feel discriminated against,” he said when responding to a question about how musicians from minority ethnic backgrounds can achieve success despite using local languages in their music.

He stressed that succeeding in the global music industry requires more than just language, citing legendary Ghanaian musicians like Philip Gbeho, the composer of the national anthem, and Ephraim Amu, who made significant contributions to music despite their ethnic backgrounds.

Stonebwoy also acknowledged the struggles faced by artistes from various regions in Ghana to reach wider audiences. “Someone from the north faces the same challenges crossing over to the Ashanti Region, and vice versa,” he noted.

Drawing from his own experiences, Stonebwoy shared how certain songs in his repertoire resonate deeply with audiences in the Volta Region, adding a personal touch to his performances. “I have songs that I ensure are part of my set list when I perform in the Volta Region. The way the people react to them is heart-warming. They just love it,” he said.

The Cultural Day, organized by UPSA’s Centre for International Education and Collaboration (CIEC), provided a platform for students to celebrate and experience diverse cultural heritages across the continent. Under the theme Bridging Cultures, Shaping Futures, the event included exhibitions, talks, and a food bazaar, promoting unity and fostering cross-cultural understanding within the student body.