Stonebwoy Ushers US Into A New Era With ‘5th Dimension.’

This is not just an album, but an entirely different sonic experience. Stonebwoy, “I beg wetin you put for your stew?” This dynamic collection of songs on the ‘5th Dimension’ showcases Stonebwoy’s ability to seamlessly blend various sounds while still staying true to his own unique style. The album also dives deep into a variety of themes, ranging from love and heartbreak to social justice and political issues. This is why there is not a single shred of doubt as to why Stonebwoy is one of the most exciting voices in the contemporary African music scene. Let’s dive in!

The album kicks off with ‘Life & Money.’ I’ve said this time and again that, it’s almost standard for every album coming out these days to have the first track giving some form of thanks to God. Stonebwoy tows this line with what most people are enamored with these days; more life and money. Both artistes waste no time in giving thanks to God for what he’s done thus far and also imploring him to continue do more in both aspects.

Track 2 seems to have the same thematic approach as the previous one. This time around on ‘Far Away,’ Stonebwoy gives the impression that, he can’t be taken for granted. Credit due to the oversight from the man up above and the experiences, and lessons picked up up until this point. The quintessential production also makes adequate use of the log drum sound in vogue now.

With the philosophical stuff out of the way, Stonebwoy dips his hand into his casanova bag with ‘More Of You.’ It’s quite ironic he chooses to sing about something as bright as love over a very dark production; hard-hitting percussions and dark chords. But Stonebwoy’s silky voice and smooth lyrics prevailed in the end.

Still on the love theme, track 4 reinforces Stonebwoy ability to belt out love songs. ‘Ava Wum Lo,’ loosely translated as, “you will come and kill me,” sees the old Stonebwoy hop out momentarily.

Now, this is how you do justice to a remix! I don’t know if you’ve ever come across the picture of Messi, Suarez and Neymar celebrating after a goal, during their hey days at Barcelona? All three artistes efforts on this song is reminiscent of that picture. Stonebwoy, Oxlade and Tiwa Savage really put their best foot forward on ‘Therapy.’ Amazing songwriting, vocal delivery and production.

I have a feeling track 6 would be an anthem for all the stingy boys, haha. If you’re a hunny scheming on how to get some of this bread, Stonebwoy says ‘Forget.’ This song also has the potential of being a huge Tiktok hit because, it has a central theme and a very catchy word the chorus is stylized and hinged on.

Next up is ‘Secret Lover’ featuring Dexta Daps. If there’s one thing Stonebwoy tried to do with this album, it was to have thematic approaches to the songs to give everyone something to relate to. It comes as no surprise that this particular song is also a fan favorite. The self-proclaimed ‘Afro-Dancehall King’ highlights groupie love as one of the downsides of being famous. But with a twist. This time around, the famous protagonist is in on the ‘secret’ affair; which he and Dexta Dap sing on a cool number with a minimalistic approach to production.

This minimalistic approach to production dovetails into track 8, ‘Run Am.’ Stonebwoy and Mereba team up to deliver a harmonious love ballad. Stonebwoy’s vocal was really put to the test; it was neither flat nor piercing.

Still belting out love songs, Stonebwoy goes full Caribbean on ‘Into The Future.’ From production to lyrics, cadence and delivery. Now imagine laying in the sun with your sweet one, by the beach in the tropics, with some fresh coconut and sugarcane juice by your sides and the smell of some lobster sizzling on fire in the background? That’s exactly this song in a nutshell.

Track 10 is also a sweet song. It’s one of those songs you hear later in life and it takes you back to a memory. Stonebwoy and Jaz Karis really finished work on ‘In Control,’ to pave way for the next song.

Stonebwoy and Davido’s ‘Activate’ needs no introduction. That song had everyone in a chokehold in the later part of 2020 and early 2021. This was the anthem for the ‘Detty December’ at the time. One noteworthy thing is the position of this song in the track sequence. Coming off playing ten tracks with six more to go, it’s only right there’s a song to ginger listeners for the task ahead. Smart move.

We continue the jams with ‘My Sound’ as track 12. Stonebwoy brought the vibes, Shaggy brought the vibes. It’s quite interesting that, even though both artistes recorded their input to the song separately, there’s still that synergy between them. This goes to show how musically compatible they are. Imagine the pandemonium this song is going to cause when a DJ drops it at ‘Carni?’ I guess we’ll have to find out.

Track 13 is just a feel good song; another song to keep you on the dancefloor. It was only right Stonebwoy tapped one of the architects of the Amapiano sound to put thus together. This is evidence of ‘what happens when everyone does their part in the group assignment.’

As the album is coming to an end, Stonebwoy reins it in by moving on a conscious tangent with ‘African System.’ I think it’s quite poetic that for the chorus, he uses a very popular Ghanaian adage in the Ga dialect which literally means, “the river is taking me away,” to chastise the government. Probably owing to the recent floods that have destroyed people’s livelihoods, a result of poor city planning and law enforcement by government agencies.

Track 15 addresses a very common phenomenon in society these days. There’s no love; in romantic relationships, friendships, schools, workplaces and even fellowships. So Stonebwoy asks the million dollar question, ‘Where Is The Love?’

Stonebwoy never goes wrong when it comes to conscious music and a Reggae performance. He puts his intelligence and self-awareness on display once again with ‘Non Stop.’

Finally, track 17. Stonebwoy gets a flawless assist from Angelique Kidjo on this. ‘Manodzi’ basically means perseverance, and that’s exactly what these two stalwarts preach on the record.

All in all, ‘5th Dimension’ is an impressive demonstration of Stonebwoy’s growth, versatility and musical prowess. The fusion of Dancehall, Reggae, Amapiano and Afrobeats elements throughout the album creates a rich and vibrant sonic landscape that is both rousing and refreshing to listen to. Furthermore, the bloggable themes explored in the lyrics add depth and complexity to the songs, making for an engaging and immersive listening experience. With this album, Stonebwoy has proven himself to be a standout artist and one to watch in the future. I can confidently say, ‘5th Dimension’ completes the trilogy with ‘Epistles Of Mama’ and ‘Anloga Junction.’ A perfect way to usher us into the new Stonebwoy era.