STONEBWOY FEATURING ANGELIQUE KIDJO
“ΜΑΝODZI“
When their two minds are reflected on their works.
A special edition will be available on Thursday November 30th, 2023 at assumptagh.live/.”
Grammy-nominated Ghanaian star Stonebwoy has released a new single titled ‘Manodzi’, featuring Angélique Kidjo.
What is the meaning of Manodzi?
“Manodzi” is a word in Shona, one of the major languages spoken in Zimbabwe. It translates to “blessings” or “prosperity” in English.
The Grammy-nominated Ghanaian dancehall star Stonebwoy released this most prestigious video to date for his brand new single “Manodzi,” featuring 5-time Grammy Award-winning singer Angélique Kidjo. Directed by Yaw Skyface, the video was shot at the historic Chateaux Bouffémont in France, providing a regal backdrop for the African royal experience depicted within. The video beautifully captures the essence of the song’s message, which encourages perseverance and hard work in pursuit of dreams. Stonebwoy expresses his deep admiration for Angélique Kidjo, referring to her as a mother figure and an honour to collaborate with. The video has garnered immense praise, solidifying Stonebwoy’s position among African music industry leaders.
TSASI:
“It is one thing to say that self-doubt is a positive emotional trait in life; it is quite another to embrace the uncertainty and fear that this position brings. Recently, I was fortunate to listen to your song, “Manodzi,” in which you spoke about your journey with music and your vow to move forward without turning back, being honest and candid.”
“I use the title ‘When Their Two Minds are Reflected in Their Works’ to describe your life journey, which serves as a reflection on the moment you met Angelique Kidjo and realised that the true value in life can only be defined when one encounters a mentor.”
STONEBWOY
That sounds like a fascinating and meaningful title for my life journey. It captures the essence of how meeting Angelique Kidjo impacted my perspective on life and my work and the importance of having a mentor. It’s wonderful how encounters with inspiring individuals can shape our own paths and lead to personal growth.
TSASI
“The song ‘Manodzi’ is a conscious song that reflects reality and serves as a powerful medium for expressing important messages and capturing the essence of the human experience. It has the potential to raise awareness, provoke thought, and inspire change. Such songs delve into social issues, personal struggles, or philosophical themes, aiming to resonate with listeners on a deeper level. By encouraging listeners with honesty and introspection, a conscious song can serve as a catalyst for reflection and meaningful dialogue.”
STONEBWOY
Absolutely! Conscious songs have a unique ability to reflect reality and convey powerful messages. They can address social issues, personal struggles, or philosophical themes, connecting with listeners on a deep and emotional level. Through honesty and introspection, conscious songs encourage reflection and meaningful dialogue, potentially inspiring change and raising awareness. By using music as a medium, these songs have the power to evoke emotions and spark conversations that can lead to a greater understanding of the human experience.
TSASI
“Angelique Kidjo has never released a bad song. ‘Manodzi’ is yet another proof of her versatility and fluidity. Together, you and she can create songs that Africans and the whole world would enjoy listening to.”
STONEBWOY
“Thank you! I agree, Angelique Kidjo is an incredibly talented artist, and ‘Manodzi’ showcases her versatility and ability to create music that resonates with people worldwide. I’m excited about the potential of collaborating with her to bring forth songs that will captivate audiences from Africa and beyond.”
“Manodzi,” featuring Angelique Kidjo, turned out to be a collaboration between a mentor and a talented artist from different backgrounds. The song seamlessly combines elements of Afrobeat and Afro-pop, resulting in an energetic and vibrant musical experience.
Working with Angelique Kidjo taught me how to bring out my unique style and voice, leading to a dynamic and captivating performance. Both of us possessed a strong presence and delivered our verses with passion and skill.
The lyrics of “Manodzi” touch upon various themes, including empowerment, self-discovery, and the pursuit of knowledge. The incorporation of multiple languages, with verses in English and possibly other African languages, adds to the multicultural appeal of the song.
In summary, “Manodzi” offers a lively and engaging musical experience that showcases our respective abilities while celebrating African music and culture.
TSASI
“I’m thrilled you have had the opportunity to collaborate with Angelique Kidjo on ‘Manodzi.’ It truly felt like a collaboration between a mentor and a disciple, combining your talents from different backgrounds. The blend of Afrobeat and Afro-pop in the song creates a vibrant and energetic musical experience. Working with Angelique taught you so much about bringing out your own unique style and voice, resulting in a dynamic performance.
The lyrics of ‘Manodzi’ touch upon important themes like empowerment, self-discovery, and knowledge, making it a meaningful and multicultural song. I’m proud to be part of a project that celebrates African music and culture in such a lively and engaging way.”
STONEBWOY
My collaboration with Angelique Kidjo has shown me that great songs are still possible, and it highlights the tremendous opportunity we have as Ghanaian musicians to collaborate with other renowned African artists such as Davido, WizKid, Kofi Kinaata, Tiwa Savage, AyraStar, and many more.
By joining forces with these established musicians, we can address the concerns facing our entertainment industry and work towards its improvement. Through collaboration, we can create an environment that allows us to tap into our full artistic and philosophical potential. Our shared interests can guide and enhance our musical journey, emphasising the importance of exchanging ideas to bring out the best in ourselves, rather than solely focusing on financial gain.
TSASI:
“I completely agree! Your collaboration with Angelique Kidjo has shown that great songs are still possible, and it has opened my eyes to the immense potential of collaborating with other famous African musicians. By working together with artists like Davido, WizKid, Kofi Kinaata, Tiwa Savage, AyraStar, and many others, we can address the challenges our entertainment industry is facing and strive for its improvement.
As I have said to you before about collaboration, I believe that by prioritising artistic growth and sharing ideas rather than solely focusing on monetary gains, we can become the best versions of ourselves. Our interests and passions will inform and elevate our music, allowing us to create meaningful and impactful work. I’m excited about the prospect of collaborating with these talented musicians and collectively contributing to the advancement of African music.”
President Ikeda, the former president of Soka Gakkai International (SGI), emphasized the significance of the master and disciple relationship in the context of Buddhist practice. He views this relationship as a vital aspect of personal growth and the transmission of teachings. President Ikeda encourages disciples to develop a deep sense of gratitude, respect, and appreciation for their mentor, while mentors should guide and support their disciples with compassion and wisdom.
President Ikeda’s guidance emphasizes that the master-disciple relationship is not about blind obedience but rather a dynamic partnership based on trust, dialogue, and mutual learning. He stresses the importance of independent thinking and encourages disciples to develop their unique potential while remaining grounded in the mentor’s teachings.
President Ikeda has also highlighted the concept of “oneness of mentor and disciple,” emphasizing that the mentor and disciple share a profound connection and a shared mission for the betterment of society. In this relationship, the mentor serves as a role model and source of inspiration, guiding the disciple towards self-realization and the pursuit of happiness.
Overall, President Ikeda’s guidance on the master-disciple relationship underscores the transformative power of this bond, emphasizing the importance of respect, gratitude, independent thinking, and a shared commitment to personal and societal development. Thank you for joining today’s dialogue.
