With the viral single “Jejereje” already dominating airwaves and social media with 587K+ creations on TikTok, Grammy-nominated Ghanaian superstar and global icon Stonebwoy today released his highly anticipated sixth studio album UP & RUNNIN6, under Burniton Music Group in partnership with Warner Music Group’s ADA Worldwide.
The 13-track UP & RUNNIN6 album dives deep into themes of introspection, spirituality, romance, and empowerment, marking a new chapter in Stonebwoy’s evolution as an artist. The visuals for the lead single, “Memories,” produced by Dave Nunes (Asake’s “Happiness”) and featuring Dutch-Caribbean sensation Ir-Sais, exclusively premiered on Rolling Stone Africa earlier this week. The “Faded Pictures” (Case & Joe, 1999) sample drew its inspiration from nineties R&B as seen in the music video that was shot in Amsterdam and directed by Pepe Favela. It screams nostalgia.
Blending Afrobeat, Dancehall, Reggae, Highlife, Amapiano, and R&B with his signature Afro-Caribbean sound, Stonebwoy continues to push boundaries, creating a vibrant tapestry that showcases his versatility and cements his status as a trailblazer in global music. As one of the key figures bridging African and Caribbean music cultures, his influence reaches far beyond borders.
From the resilient anthem “Psalm 23” to the high-octane dancehall hit “Jiggle & Whine” featuring Spice, the project blends personal reflection with infectious rhythms. Fans can also look forward to collaborations with artists like Chi Chi Ching, Kaylan Arnold, and Blvk H3ro on “Geography,” and fast-rising dancehall artist AMARIA BB on the summer banger “Fvck up Summer.”
Stonebwoy proudly embraces his roots, reviving traditional highlife sounds on tracks like “Betta Tin” featuring Nigerian singer Duncan Mighty, The viral hit “JEJEREJE,” a nostalgic ode to Ghana’s rich culture featuring Ginton, masterfully blends street music with vibrant melodies.
UP & RUNNIN6 also transports listeners to the rhythms of South Africa with the Amapiano standout “Shine” and features a brand new remix of the hit single “Overlord,” with Jahmiel, 10Tik, and Larrusso. This triumphant anthem amplifies Stonebwoy’s message of perseverance and victory. On one of his earlier singles “Pray for Me,” Stonebwoy encourages resilience while Wyclef Jean’s legendary storytelling pays homage to the rich history he witnessed firsthand in Ghana. Together, they deliver a powerful message of unity and strength.
UP & RUNNIN6 is a bold and unapologetic showcase of Stonebwoy’s ability to blend global musical influences with deep cultural roots – the project not only reflects his artistic evolution, but also his commitment to pushing the boundaries of global music.
© 2024, Seth "Digital Crates" Barmash. All rights reserved.
