Ghanaian Reggae/Dancehall singer Livingstone Etse 'Stonebwoy' Satekla has received an honourary award from Howard University.

The Afro-Dancehall originator was honoured as part of the 2025 Howard University Homecoming Takeover, during the 4th Annual VIP Music and Business Brunch organised by Warner Music/Blavatnik Center for Music Business, with support from Warner Music Group, 300 Entertainment, and Atlantic Records.

The event took place at the Blackburn Center Gallery Lounge at Howard University, Washington DC, USA.

The multiple award-winning singer-songwriter was recognised for being a trailblazer in the globalisation of African music via his cultural significance and influence. The certificate was presented to him by West Africa Music & Arts Festival.

The international accolade comes ahead of the Burniton Music Group (BMG) founder and CEO's popular annual event, Bhim Festival, usually held on December 26, and stirs up excitement for same.

Stonebwoy's allure comes from his tasteful combination of Highlife, Afrobeats, Dancehall and R&B in his music. The blend is what he named Afro-Dancehall, a style which has become influential in the spread of African music worldwide. The singer is beloved for his tenacity, overcoming adversity and obscurity and rising from the slums of Ashaiman to become one of Ghana's contemporary music superstars.

The BET awardee has worked with global legends like Sean Paul, Shaggy, Beenie Man, Morgan Heritage, Wyclef Jean, and Angelique Kidjo.

Stonebwoy has become an inspiring voice in education, also, recently earning his first degree and masters from the Ghana Institute of Management & Public Administration (GIMPA), notwithstanding his busy schedule and responsibilities as a husband, father and businessman. The move positions him as a refreshing breaker of the anti-formal-education stereotype among creatives, especially musicians.

Meanwhile, deep space engineer, tech innovator, entrepreneur, and founder of CEEK, Mary Spio was also honoured at Howard University. CEEK facilitated rap heavyweight Sarkodie's innovative and acclaimed virtual Black Love Concert during the pandemic.

| Rayna Bass, co-President 300/Atlantic Hiphop, R&B, and Global stands to Stonebwoy's left, and to her left is another honouree, Selim Bouab, co-President 300/Atlantic Hiphop, R&B, and Global