Stonebwoy has opened up about the painful reality of facing public ridicule over his physical condition, describing the repeated attacks from critics as a reflection of deliberate insensitivity rather than a measure of his worth.
The Ghanaian dancehall and Afrobeats artiste made the revelation during an interview with BBC Africa’s DJ Adu, where he reflected on years of being targeted by detractors who have mocked his disability.
According to the multiple award-winning artiste, the decision by some opponents to repeatedly use his condition as an insult reveals a lack of understanding and compassion.
“Opponents have called me a cripple. Every day they do. But it doesn’t get to me. For anybody to be able to use that against you, that means they’re actually not in the right frame of mind. They don’t know better.
“If it’s a mistake, that’s one thing. But if it becomes a national anthem for them, that’s another,” he said.
The BHIM Nation founder also reflected on the difficult experiences from his childhood, explaining how hardship and struggle played a major role in shaping his resilience and determination.
Stonebwoy recounted growing up under challenging circumstances, including being sent home from school over unpaid fees and enduring long journeys to receive an education despite dealing with a physical challenge.
“As a growing child, I used to be sacked from school for school fees. There were times I had to struggle to go to school because of the situation. Anyone listening knows walking from Ashaiman Lebanon to Tema Methodist Day Secondary School in Community 11 while having a stiff knee with metals in it,” he said.
The musician explained that those early struggles did not weaken his spirit but instead helped him develop the mental strength required to navigate the competitive nature of the entertainment industry.
For Stonebwoy, the obstacles he encountered became a source of motivation and helped him build the mindset needed to survive and succeed in music.
“It toughens your mind. You have to have a different source of inspiration to be able to move even within the music industry,” the Burniton Music boss stated.
Watch what he said below.
