The ongoing feud between Ghanaian Afrobeat artists Kelvynboy and Stonebwoy has resurfaced with renewed intensity, fueled by recent accusations and past grievances. Kelvynboy, in a pointed social media post, directly accused Stonebwoy of employing manipulative tactics to sabotage his career progression. He alleges that Stonebwoy has intentionally tarnished his image within the Ghanaian public, creating a hostile environment that impedes his rise in the music industry. This perception of being unfairly targeted and hindered by a powerful figure in the industry forms the crux of Kelvynboy’s frustration, encapsulating years of underlying tension and unresolved conflict. Despite acknowledging the challenges he faces, Kelvynboy expresses confidence in his eventual triumph, attributing it to the power of grace overcoming adversity.
The recent flare-up in the long-standing feud stems from an interview given by Stonebwoy in which he alluded to facing threats to his safety during his professional association with Kelvynboy. While Stonebwoy didn’t explicitly accuse Kelvynboy of direct involvement in these threats, the insinuation appears to have reignited the simmering resentment between the two artists. This veiled accusation acts as the catalyst for Kelvynboy’s outburst, prompting him to publicly address the perceived injustice and defend his reputation against what he considers to be a smear campaign orchestrated by his former mentor. Kelvynboy’s public accusation of “mafia tactics” suggests a pattern of behind-the-scenes maneuvering by Stonebwoy to undermine his opportunities and damage his career prospects.
The history of their relationship adds context to the current conflict. Kelvynboy’s career was significantly boosted by his signing to Stonebwoy’s Burniton Music Group (BMG) in 2018. This period of mentorship and collaboration initially saw Kelvynboy gain recognition and contribute to the vibrant Ghanaian music scene with his Afrobeat sound. However, the seemingly promising partnership fractured in 2019, culminating in the termination of Kelvynboy’s contract with BMG. The official reason cited for the split was “structural challenges” within the label, but the narrative surrounding the breakup was complicated by rumors of Kelvynboy displaying disrespect and ingratitude towards his mentor. This difference in portrayal of events adds another layer to the ongoing dispute, with each artist presenting their version of the truth, further fueling public speculation and fan debate.
The fallout from the BMG split has been marked by intermittent public clashes, primarily played out on social media platforms. These exchanges have often been characterized by indirect jabs and veiled criticisms, maintaining a persistent undercurrent of tension. A significant incident that further exacerbated the rift occurred in 2020 when Kelvynboy was physically assaulted during an event in Ashaiman, a town strongly associated with Stonebwoy. Although Stonebwoy publicly denied any involvement in the attack, the incident solidified the perception of a deep-seated conflict between the two artists and their respective camps. The Ashaiman attack serves as a tangible manifestation of the animosity between them, moving beyond mere words and raising concerns about the potential for escalating violence.
Despite the acrimony and public accusations, Kelvynboy has, at various times, extended olive branches to Stonebwoy, expressing a desire for reconciliation and forgiveness. These attempts have ranged from public apologies to appeals for a peaceful resolution of their differences. However, Stonebwoy’s response, or lack thereof, to these overtures suggests a reluctance to mend the fractured relationship. This unwillingness to reconcile underscores the deep-seated nature of the conflict and the significant hurt experienced by both parties. The cycle of accusations, denials, and attempted reconciliation highlights the complex emotional dynamics at play and the difficulty in moving past deeply ingrained grievances.
The latest accusations by Kelvynboy paint a picture of a still-simmering feud with deeply ingrained resentment and mistrust. His allegations of career sabotage highlight the perceived power imbalance between the established artist and his former protégé. While Kelvynboy maintains hope that “grace” will ultimately prevail, the ongoing conflict reveals the lasting impact of professional disagreements compounded by personal animosity. The lack of meaningful dialogue and the recurrence of public accusations suggest that a genuine reconciliation remains elusive, leaving a cloud of uncertainty over the future of their relationship and its potential impact on their respective careers. The feud serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of mentorship within the music industry and the potential for disagreements to escalate into deeply personal conflicts with long-lasting consequences.
