Minister of Tourism, Creative Arts and Culture, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has shared a warm childhood memory of dancehall star Shatta Wale, recalling that she once had the musician seated on her lap during his early years.

In an interview on Joy Prime on December 10, 2025, the minister reflected on her time as a storyteller on the iconic children’s programme 'By the Fireside,' where she frequently interacted with young visitors.

She revealed that Shatta Wale’s mother used to bring him and his sisters to the show.

“I do not know if Shatta Wale remembers, but I’ve carried him on this lap of mine before. You can ask his mother. He and his sisters were brought to By the Fireside,” she said.

Madam Gomashie added that many of the children she encountered during her years on the show have grown into notable figures in the creative industry.

“The people I’ve carried in this industry are a lot. I am a proud mama. I like to see my cubs doing well. It gives me great joy.

"To watch you all from when you were young and thinking ‘what are they doing?' and now seeing what you’ve become, the difference is fulfilling. So fulfilling,” she said.

ID/AM