• Shatta Wale has through several means become a subject of discussion
• His decision to go off social media and the resolution to return, for instance, have triggered reactions
• As May paves way for June, what more are followers to expect?
After about ten years of taking a break from music to re-strategise, Bandana resurfaced into the music space as Shatta Wale and his comeback was characterized by controversies including using unprintable words on fellow musicians.
From 2013 where he unleashed attacks on Kaakie for winning Reggae Dancehall Song of the Year with ‘Tofee Pon Tongue’ over his ‘Shatta City’ to date, Shatta Wale has almost always been in the news.
Not only has he grabbed attention with what could be labelled as ‘negative’ moves; the self-acclaimed Dancehall King has become a household name also as a result of his repertoire, awards and brand positioning in general.
His journey from January to May, this year, has not been anything different from previous years as he continues to remain relevant in the Ghanaian entertainment industry with his actions – whether ‘ridiculous’ or ‘hilarious’.
1. Assault on road contractor
Just a few days to cross over to the second part of the year, Shatta Wale reportedly attacked a road engineer at Adjiringanor in Accra for not extending the road to his office.
In videos that have gone viral on social media, a livid Shatta Wale was seen shouting and hurling insults at the contractors who were at post. He was accompanied by unidentified men said to be his ‘gang’.
The engineer, Kennedy Acquah told starrfm.com.gh that Shatta Wale earlier sent someone to “tell us to extend the road to his office but we told them the length of the road and areas covered are contractual matters and not decided by the site workers. We asked them to pick the matter up with Urban Roads who are supervising the project.”
“We were working today when he (Shatta Wale) just drove past the roadblock sign and came through where we were working despite the fact that we had just laid the asphalt, and asked who was in charge, I went close to tell him I was in charge and before I could explain anything, one of the guys with him just slapped me and he was looking on.
“There were a number of guys on motorbikes with him. The incident was captured on video by people passing, the police came there but did nothing about the assault on me, they rather exchanged pleasantries with him and told me to be careful”.
Road constructers dey site dey work, Dem no Wan allow SHATTA WALE make he pass the road top cos of the work they’re doing, There norr opana vex go carry Nima boys come beat the workers for site. Shameful act !! who does that? ????????♂️ You wan take this act take grammy’s? LMAO JON MAN pic.twitter.com/aVjfQj3UAq
— kholynz???????? (@kholynz__) May 31, 2021
2. Shatta Wale returns to social media with a Rolls Royce estimated to cost US$330,000
Shatta Wale on April 26, 2021, went off social media. Before his departure, he noted that he was doing so “due to my personal reasons”. Three weeks after the decision, he returned to social media with a degree of pomp as he flaunted a Rolls Royce Cullinan said to cost not less than US$330,000.
Although it was unclear whether he owned it or not, Shatta Wale ‘stole’ the attention of the public with his act. The comeback was indeed astounding!
3. Shatta Wale’s ‘State of the Industry Address’
Shatta Wale is known for being very opinionated. What is uncharacteristic of him, however, is announcing a decision to speak about issues with a well-designed flyer. On the poster which has been in circulation, a rather calm Shatta Wale, clad in a suit is seated with his fingers crossed. His location is decorated with items including the flags of Ghana, Jamaica and the Shatta Movement of which he is the president.
The musician is set to give his assessment of the industry on Wednesday, June 2, 2021. Dubbed ‘The State of the Industry Address’, the exercise expected to commence at 8 pm has engendered conversation about the artiste as people wonder about the content of his much-anticipated address.
Make a date ????????❤️ #HYLYF #GOG pic.twitter.com/EBlBrPuee8
— SHATTA WALE (@shattawalegh) May 30, 2021
4. Shatta Wale rains insults on Aisha Modi, threatens her
Shatta Wale descended on Aisha Modi, a staunch fan of Stonebwoy after she threw shots at him. Aisha Modi had shared a photo of Stonebwoy, hailing him for traveling around the world and making money while ‘other musicians sit in Ghana idle’. Her comment elicited backlashes from some SM4Lyf members. In response, Aisha Modi said, “tell your King to stop sleeping with his cousin and work hard…”
This infuriated Shatta Wale as he spent close to an hour raining unprintable words on Aisha Modi. Among others, he threatened to beat her mercilessly whenever he encountered her.
5. Shatta Wale blasts Kwadwo Sheldon
While the industry brainstormed over why Ghana missed out on the Grammys, YouTuber Kwadwo Sheldon suggested that Shatta Wale cannot win a Grammy with his “senseless” songs. This resulted in a war of words between the musician and the YouTuber.
6. Shatta Wale releases 1DON
Among the hottest songs to be released in 2021 is 1DON, a typical dancehall tune that came with a captivating video. The song enjoyed airplay, the video garnered more views, Shatta Wale's audience appeal obviously increased. After Shatta’s release of the song, Stonebwoy followed with 1GAD. This led to other musicians joining the mantra. Samini for instance released 1KING with Kwaw Kese tapping into the trend with 1MAD.
7. Shatta Wale fights MOG
Shatta Wale, in March, locked horns with renowned music producer MOGBeatz following a claim by the latter that the former refused to pay him for the services he rendered on the ‘Reign Album’. MOG claimed in a tweet that he produced 10 singles off Shatta Wale’s album in 2018 but had received nothing for work done.
In response, Shatta Wale labelled MOG “ungrateful”, insisting that he paid the music producer. Although the conversation stoked controversy, Shatta Wale’s statement that he paid GH¢ for each production stirred up more controversies. The development led to a discussion on royalties, split sheet and intellectual property.
Money Man @shattawalegh , me I dey see you as a big brother i never had. I know say you no be STINGY like that lol, i produced 10 songs on the #ReignAlbum but ano see no CASH from you since 2018. Seeing this made me laugh sooo hard ????????????????.. pic.twitter.com/hM1fsjK8Us
— Numba One ???? (@MOGBeatz) February 28, 2021
Now I want you to know I bought your beat for 100gh each ..so I have paid you long time and I thank God I didn’t waste money cuz all those songs sef no hit because of today ...kwasiaaa ????????????????
— SHATTA WALE (@shattawalegh) February 28, 2021
My God never sleep Pussy !!!! #Violenceheadquarters
