Stonebwoy is one of the most successful and versatile artists in the Afropop scene, blending dancehall, reggae, and Afrobeat with his distinctive voice and charisma.
The Ghanaian singer-songwriter has won multiple awards, collaborated with international stars, and performed on prestigious stages around the world. But behind his impressive achievements lies a humble and passionate story of how he pursued his musical dream with the help of a Shure vocal mic.
Stonebwoy, whose real name is Livingstone Etse Satekla, was born in Ashaiman, a suburb of Accra, Ghana.
He discovered his talent for music at an early age, writing and acting in drama pieces in primary school. He also developed a love for reggae and dancehall music, inspired by artists like Bob Marley, Buju Banton, and Bounty Killer. He started recording his own songs over his father’s cassette tapes, using a makeshift microphone made from a radio speaker and a jack.
He continued to hone his skills and passion for music throughout his secondary and tertiary education, participating in rap battles, talent shows, and musical contests. He also faced many challenges and hardships, including losing his twin brother in a car accident and surviving a gunshot wound that left him with a limp.
Despite the odds, Stonebwoy never gave up on his dream of becoming a professional musician.
He released his first single, “Climax,” in 2009, followed by his debut album, “Grade 1,” in 2012. He gained recognition and popularity with his second album, “Necessary Evil,” in 2014, which won him three Ghana Music Awards and a BET Award for Best International Act: Africa.
Stonebwoy’s success continued with his subsequent albums, “Epistles of Mama” (2017), “Anloga Junction” (2020), and “5th Dimension” (2023), which showcased his versatility and creativity as an artist. He also collaborated with notable artists such as Sean Paul, Keri Hilson, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, and many more.
One of the secrets behind Stonebwoy’s remarkable sound is his choice of microphone: the Shure vocal mic. Stonebwoy has been using Shure mics for both his live and studio performances since he started his career. He says that Shure mics give him the clarity, warmth, and presence that he needs to deliver his vocals with confidence and emotion.
In a recent video posted on YouTube, Stonebwoy shared his experience using Shure mics and how they have helped him achieve his dream sound.
He said that he started with the SM58, the most popular handheld dynamic microphone in the world, which he still uses for live shows. He then upgraded to the SM7B, a legendary studio microphone that has been used by many famous artists such as Michael Jackson, Drake, Adele, and more.
He also tried the SM7dB, a new version of the SM7B that has a built-in preamp that provides up to +28 dB of gain, making it compatible with any XLR interface.
Stonebwoy said that he loves the SM7B and the SM7dB because they have a smooth and natural frequency response that captures every nuance of his voice.
He also praised their excellent rear-rejection and cardioid pick-up pattern that isolate his voice from background noise, ideal for less-than-ideal recording spaces. He said he uses them to record vocals, ad-libs, harmonies, and even instruments.
Stonebwoy said that he is grateful to Shure for providing him with quality mics that have enhanced his sound and career. He said that he recommends Shure mics to anyone who wants to achieve their dream sound.
Stonebwoy is an example of how Shure vocal mics can help aspiring and established artists reach their full potential and express their musical vision. With Shure mics, you can be sure that your voice will be heard loud and clear.
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