The Ghanaian dancehall star returns with a new single, recorded and shot in Ghana with South African rapper Focalistic, ahead of #Album 5.
As one of the most important West African dancehall and reggae singers, Stonebwoy has perfected a personal cocktail of Afro-dancehall. An artist that follows his gut feeling when it comes to music, his concoction now includes the sounds of the South African forerunner Focalistic with “Ariba.” Focalistic’s amapiano leaning and brutally honest approach to rap lyrics match Stone’s classic steady flow, making for great sonic chemistry on this new venture. In an era of increased cultural cross-pollination, this collaboration represents a beautiful and exciting addition to the scene: “that’s the way the new world is now,” Stonebwoy says. “One love. So, why can’t we make a cocktail out of the music?”
Directed by REX and shot in Accra, Ghana, the visuals are highly colourful and transmit an infectious dose of happiness. Featured in a vintage setting, the two artists appear as disco/rockstars with flashy leather jackets and interpret new dance moves with a fun and singular angle. With the sunny days still with us, this dancehall-amapiano piece sets up Stonebwoy’s third album release later in the year, one that the artist has teased through intriguing #Album5 mentions on social media.
Listen to « Ariba » in our One Dance playlist on Spotify and Deezer.
