Stonebwoy pays courtesy visit on Ghana High Commissioner to UK ahead of his UK concert

Award-winning Ghanaian Afro-dancehall artist, Stonebwoy, has paid a courtesy visit to Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Zita Sabah Benson, ahead of his BHIMFest concert in the UK.

During the meeting, he engaged the High Commissioner on his plans and sought her support to host the debut UK edition of his flagship annual concert, BHIMFest, scheduled for August 15, 2026 at the OVO Arena Wembley. The move forms part of efforts to take the event beyond the borders of Ghana and expand its global reach.

Stonebwoy described the concert as a landmark moment in his career, noting that it will make him one of the few Ghanaian artists of his generation to headline the 12,500-capacity venue. Gospel musician, MOGmusic is also expected to host a separate event at the same venue on August 22, highlighting a growing Ghanaian presence on major UK stages.

He further stressed that Ghana’s music industry remains underinvested, despite its global potential,hence the need for strategic investment to propel artists onto the international stage. According to him, while concerts serve individual brands, they ultimately contribute to projecting Ghana’s cultural identity globally.

“Ghana’s music industry is underinvested, therefore you have to go hard and believe in what you do. There’s a need for us as Ghanaians to be very intentional very patriotic. Coming from Ghana, our creative industry is very underfunded, very underinvested, so you have to actually go hard” he said

The artist also teased fans and Ghanaian expatriates in the UK with the “Ghanaian experience” typically associated with BHIMFest at the Accra Sports Stadium, an event he says has drawn crowds of up to 60,000 people, backed by high-level production and a strong lineup of performers.

High Commissioner Benson, in response, expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as an honour for Stonebwoy to begin his BHIMFest international expansion from the UK. She commended his growth ambitions and assured him of the High Commission’s full support, noting that promoting Ghanaian culture remains a key pillar of the Mission’s work, something strongly reflected in his music.

“Our mandate as High Commission is to promote culture, to promote tourism. You are the vessel that is being used. You are a symbol of Ghana, so when Stonebwoy comes up, it is not just Stonebwoy, it is you’re representing the whole nation. So it will be our pleasure and our joy to also ensure that whatever you do becomes a success” she stated.

The BHIMFest UK concert comes amid a broader wave of Ghanaian musical activity in the United Kingdom, as artists increasingly target the diaspora market. Award-winning rapper Sarkodie has set his sights on the The O2 Arena following a successful Rapperholic UK edition, while Kweku Smoke is also gearing up for a performance at Electric Brixton in London on May 29, 2026.

This growing footprint underscores the rising global appeal of Ghanaian music, particularly in the UK, which remains a key hub for African entertainment. From sold-out concerts to festival appearances, Ghanaian artists continue to leverage the diaspora audience to expand their influence, build international collaborations, and position Ghana as a cultural powerhouse.

Back home, BHIMFest has evolved into one of Ghana’s most anticipated music events, with its 10th anniversary edition at the Accra Sports Stadium which drew huge crowds and extended to charitable and sustainable initiatives. Over the years, the festival has hosted a diverse lineup of local and international acts, reinforcing Stonebwoy’s influence in the industry and his commitment to elevating Ghanaian music onto the global stage.

Source: Diplomatic Times