Nuevo Culture

Watch Davido and Stonebwoy Connect For Their First-Ever Collab "Activate"

When Ghana meets Nigeria

We last tapped in with Ghana’s Afro-Dancehall monarch Stonebwoy when he premiered his “Blaze Dem” freestyle on NUEVO and Boomshots to follow up the victory lap for his Anloga Junction album. Now, he’s joined forces with Nigerian superstar Davido—who’s fresh off the release of his album A Better Time, featuring collabs with Nicki Minaj, Young Thug, Chris Brown, Nas, and Hit-Boy—for their single, “Activate.

“The inspiration behind this song is to activate positive energy,” says Stonebwoy in a statement to Boomshots. “To activate love and to activate on the dance floor and see the combination of Afrobeats and Dancehall take over the world.”

Stone and David have known each other as far back as 2015, but “Activate” marks their first time collaborating on a joint single. More than just popular entertainers, both artists are using their platforms for positive work. Davido has been on the front lines of the resistance movement against Nigeria’s abusive SARS police unit, while Stonebwoy recently led a massive march to promote peace, unity, and good health in Ghana.

“Activate” was born out of a spontaneous vibe whilst Davido was on a weekend trip from Nigeria to Ghana. The video was shot the following day.​ NUEVO and Boomshots are proud to premiere the Yaw Skyface-directed visuals. Watch as two African superstars come together to create musical magic.