Efia Odo sends apology note to Stonebwoy over Artiste of the Year comment, says “I am very sorry”
Ghanaian-American actress and television personality, Andrea Owusu, professionally known as Efia Odo, has issued a heartfelt apology to Livingstone Etse Satekla, popularly known as Stonebwoy, over her controversial remarks regarding the 2024 Artiste of the Year award.
Stonebwoy, the acclaimed Ghanaian Afropop, Afro-dancehall, and reggae musician, recently took home the coveted 2024 Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) Artiste of the Year. He was nominated alongside other notable artists such as Sarkodie, Black Sherif, King Promise, Nacee, and Kuami Eugene.
A fervent supporter of King Promise, Efia Odo caused a stir on social media by describing Stonebwoy as an “old man” and suggesting he should leave the award for younger artists. She stated, “I think it is because Shatta and Sark have won it twice, so that means he too wants it twice (I’ve not mentioned names). The old man should just leave it for the kids because it is evident that numbers don’t lie. If you like, let’s compare King Promise’s numbers to others.”
However, during a recent appearance on Accra-based United Television’s showbiz program, Efia Odo admitted her comment was inappropriate. “When I am a fan of someone, I go hard for the person. What I said about Stonebwoy, calling him an old man, was wrong, I admit it. I have always wanted to publicly apologize to Stonebwoy. He is among the top artists in the country. For me to talk like that because I was trying to defend my friend (King Promise) was very wrong.”
Efia Odo emphasized that Stonebwoy deserves accolades beyond the Ghana Music Awards. “I publicly made that comment, so I wanted a public space like TV to apologize. When you write something on the internet, it doesn’t have as much impact as the person seeing you face to face; there is more emphasis on the emotion. I see Stonebwoy as bigger than the Ghana Music Awards, I see him as bigger than the platforms they give you.”
She concluded by expressing her admiration for Stonebwoy’s potential to achieve global recognition, such as a Grammy. “I want him to get to where I want him to get to, which is the Grammy. I think every artist wants to get the Grammy, so what I did was totally wrong, was disrespectful, I am very sorry.”
