Stonebwoy, the acclaimed Ghanaian reggae/dancehall artist, has garnered significant praise for his selfless commitment to performing pro bono at the HoodTalk Music Festival, scheduled for May 9th at Accra’s Independence Square. This grand musical event aims to raise a substantial $14 million to fund the construction of five much-needed pediatric clinics in underserved regions of Ghana. Stonebwoy’s decision to forgo his performance fee underscores his dedication to social responsibility and his desire to contribute to the well-being of underprivileged communities. While corporate social responsibility (CSR) is not a mandatory obligation for artists, Stonebwoy has embraced it as a core principle, utilizing his platform and influence to make a tangible difference in the lives of others.
The HoodTalk Music Festival, with Stonebwoy as its headline act, is poised to be a global spectacle, broadcast live to over 250 countries. This far-reaching broadcast will amplify the festival’s message of health, peace, and opportunity, providing a powerful platform for the voices of the next generation. Organized by the DreamChild Foundation in collaboration with Virtual Hub, the festival resonates with Stonebwoy’s personal mission to empower the underprivileged and improve healthcare accessibility in Ghana. The festival’s organizers recognize Stonebwoy’s genuine commitment to these causes and applaud his willingness to lend his considerable talent and star power to this charitable endeavor.
HoodTalk Music Festival has evolved from a grassroots initiative to a globally recognized platform, dedicated to promoting positive change through music and artistic expression. The 2025 edition, themed “Connecting Music, Heritage, and Humanity,” emphasizes empowering youth, celebrating cultural diversity, and amplifying the collective voices of artists and creatives. The festival serves as a powerful conduit for dialogue on critical issues such as climate change, sustainable development, and African innovation, using art, music, and creativity to inspire and catalyze meaningful conversations.
This year’s HoodTalk Music Festival, dubbed “The 2025 HoodTalk Unity Edition,” carries a particularly poignant significance. Stonebwoy will dedicate his performance to honoring the victims of the May 9, 2001, stadium tragedy in Accra, where 127 lives were tragically lost during a football match. This act of remembrance transforms tragedy into tribute, utilizing the power of music to promote healing and offer a message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The festival will also feature over 20,000 music fans.
The festival’s ambitious fundraising drive, targeting $14 million, will directly support the construction and operation of five pediatric clinics in underserved regions throughout Ghana. These clinics will provide critical healthcare services to thousands of children who currently lack access to adequate medical care. The organizers are actively calling upon both local and international artists to join the fundraising lineup, recognizing the collective power of the music community to generate positive social impact. Stonebwoy’s selfless contribution serves as an inspiration for other artists to utilize their platforms for the betterment of society.
Stonebwoy’s ongoing philanthropic efforts, channeled through his Livingstone Foundation, have positively impacted numerous institutions and communities. The foundation focuses on ensuring equal access to education, providing healthcare for accident survivors, advocating for community development, and empowering youth. His participation in the HoodTalk Music Festival is yet another example of his unwavering commitment to using his platform to effect positive change in Ghana. The festival’s organizers recognize the immense value of his support, highlighting the synergy between his personal values and the festival’s overarching mission of promoting health, peace, and opportunity for all.
