Ghanaian dancehall and Afrobeats star Stonebwoy has broken his silence on the repeated insults targeting his physical disability, saying those who mock him reveal more about themselves than they do about him.
Speaking during an interview with BBC Africa’s DJ Edu, the award-winning musician reflected on years of online trolling and ridicule, explaining that he has learned not to let the hurtful comments define him.
According to Stonebwoy, being called a “cripple” has become a common attack from critics, but he believes such behaviour stems from ignorance rather than truth.
“People call me a cripple every day, but it doesn’t get to me. Anyone who uses that against you is simply not in the right frame of mind. They don’t know any better.
“If it’s a mistake, that’s one thing. But when it becomes a national anthem for them, that’s a different issue,” he said.
The BHIM Nation president also shared the personal struggles that shaped his determination long before he became one of Africa’s biggest music stars.
Stonebwoy recalled growing up in poverty and enduring long walks to school despite living with a stiff knee reinforced with metal after an accident. He said there were also times he was sent home because his family could not afford school fees.
“As a child, I was often sent home over unpaid school fees. I had to walk from Ashaiman Lebanon to Tema Methodist Day Secondary School in Community 11 with a stiff knee that had metal implants. It wasn’t easy,” he revealed.
Despite those challenges, Stonebwoy said the hardships strengthened his mindset and gave him the resilience needed to overcome obstacles both in life and throughout his music career.
“Those experiences toughen your mind. You need a different kind of inspiration to keep pushing, especially in this industry,” he added.
