
The Ghanaian dancehall superstar Stonebwoy found himself at the center of a social media storm. Just days before the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Victory Party on January 5, 2025, organizers announced his removal from the event’s lineup following intense backlash from the party’s grassroots supporters. The incident sparked widespread debate, demonstrating the power of public sentiment in shaping political and cultural decisions.
The Backlash
Following this, the controversy began when news broke that Stonebwoy was set to perform at the NDC’s celebratory concert, an event marking the party’s electoral victory. While the announcement was met with excitement by some, a significant portion of the NDC’s grassroots supporters took to social media to express their dissatisfaction. Many argued that Stonebwoy’s perceived lack of alignment with the party’s ideologies or his past affiliations made him an unsuitable choice for the event.
Using hashtags such as #DropStonebwoy, supporters flooded platforms like X and Facebook with posts demanding his removal.
@mista_opare Let me remind my NDC big men that the same Stonebwoy they’re paying to come perform at our concert composed a victory song for Nana Addo in 2020, a stolen victory for Addo which our flagbearer rightly contested at the Supreme Court!!!! #DropStoneBwoy or we boycott the concert
@sayhameed What’s the wisdom in billing Stonebwoy for an NDC show when there are many young artists who stack with us during our difficult times while Stonebwoy was rolling with those with power and money? Should we expect Paul Adom Otchere and Nana Aba Anamoah moderating our events soon?
@MrDDMartins NDC,better go for this artist before you’ll be considered ungrateful. The NDC leadership should know that it’s grassroots are not like the NPP foolsoldiers where they follow & support foolishly. #DropStonebwoy
Their collective voice was impossible to ignore, prompting organizers to take swift action. In a statement issued on January 3, the event organizers acknowledged the concerns raised and confirmed that Stonebwoy would no longer be performing.
“The organizers of the Ghana Victory Concert, responding to public sentiment and concerns from the party’s grassroots regarding Stonebwoy’s inclusion, have decided to remove the artiste from the concert lineup.”

Social Media’s Role
In addition, the incident reveals the immense influence of social media in modern-day decision-making. What might have once been a behind-the-scenes negotiation quickly became a public spectacle, with supporters leveraging social media to make their voices heard. The #DropStonebwoy campaign became a trending topic, demonstrating how grassroots activism can challenge decisions made at the top.
Broader Implications
Moreover, Stonebwoy’s removal from the lineup raises important questions about the intersection of politics and entertainment. For artists, navigating the delicate balance between their craft and political affiliations can be a daunting task. While some choose to remain neutral, others face the risk of alienating segments of their fanbase by associating with specific political groups.
For the NDC, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and respecting the sentiments of their core supporters. The decision to drop Stonebwoy was about appeasing public outcry and a strategic move to maintain harmony within the party’s ranks.
Looking Ahead
In the aftermath of the controversy, the NDC Victory Party proceeded with performances by other notable artists, including Medikal, Edem, Rex Omar, and Ohemaa Mercy. The concert was a success, but the shadow of the Stonebwoy controversy lingered, sparking discussions about how political entities and artists can better collaborate in the future.
Grassroots Influence and Political Balance
The #DropStonebwoy controversy is a clear example of how grassroots movements and social media are becoming major forces in shaping public events. Also, as Ghana’s political and cultural scenes continue to evolve, this incident will likely be remembered as a lesson in balancing creativity, politics, and public perception.