Ghanaian dancehall artiste Stonebwoy has reflected on the early phase of his music career, shedding light on why his on-screen presence was often stern and rarely expressive.
In a recent conversation with DJ Slim, he revealed that it took a particular music video shoot for him to understand the value of smiling in visuals, especially during the making of his track Submarine.
Stonebwoy said his default demeanor at the time was naturally serious, to the extent that it carried into moments that were meant to feel light and expressive.
“I used to frown whenever I’m shooting a music video. I remember when we were shooting my music video Submarine.
“I mistakenly smiled, and the director was shocked. He told me that I have a good smile, so why don’t I smile often? That’s when I realised that I need to smile,” he recounted.
Even though Submarine was a love-themed record, he noted that his expression did not align with the mood of the song during filming, something he later came to recognise.
“The song was a love song, but still, I had frowned. That realisation made me decide that I would start being smiley,” he said.
He went on to explain that his reserved and tough exterior was shaped by a challenging upbringing that influenced how he approached life in his early years.
“It’s actually not my fault. Coming from an accident, a 12-year-old child who celebrated his 13th birthday in a hospital bed, all these experiences toughened me. I was always in survival mode,” Stonebwoy further stated.
Watch his statement below.
I used to Frown whenever i am shooting a music video but one i mistakenly smiled and my guys realized i have a good smile @stonebwoy #BhimfestLondon26 #bhimnews pic.twitter.com/aZ9QFgYD4S
— KELVIN SARKCESS (@KelvinSarkcess4) April 6, 2026
