Entertainment of Sunday, 2 August 2026

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

‘My lifestyle is funded by Ghana, not anywhere else’ – Shatta Wale

Shatta Wale is a Ghanaian dancehall artiste Shatta Wale is a Ghanaian dancehall artiste

Ghanaian dancehall artiste Charles Nii Armah Mensah, popularly known as Shatta Wale, has opened up about the source of his wealth and the support he claims to have received from successive governments and political leaders in Ghana.

According to the ‘On God’ hitmaker, his current lifestyle and financial success are largely a result of his music career and the support he has received from Ghana over the years.

Speaking in a recent interview on Audacity Of The Art, Shatta Wale mentioned that he has received support from different administrations, including those led by former President John Dramani Mahama and former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

“All this money and lifestyle I’m living is not from anywhere; it’s from Ghana. From President Mahama to Akufo-Addo to every government, all have supported Shatta Wale,” he said.

The dancehall star stated that he has no reason to hide the fact that Ghanaian leaders have shown appreciation for his work and career.

“I won’t lie about it, so if Ghanaians are sitting down and watching me like, 'Where am I getting the money from and the FBI will catch me,' it’s the leaders that love what I’m doing,” he shared.

Shatta Wale particularly praised President John Dramani Mahama, saying the president has always treated him with respect as an artiste.

“Our President Mahama really respects me like a star,” he said.

He recalled an occasion when President Mahama personally advised him not to campaign for him, despite calls from some people for the musician to support his political campaign.

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“Once upon a time, he told me personally that he doesn’t want me to do a campaign for him. He knew his people were calling, but he didn’t want to spoil my future, so I should do my thing,” Shatta Wale recounted.

The musician described the advice as an indication that Mahama genuinely cared about his long-term career rather than seeking political advantage from his popularity.

“That’s a real man. He doesn’t play with me when it comes to music. It’s not even about politics,” he noted.

Shatta Wale also recalled receiving a personal gift from former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, saying the gesture further demonstrated the respect he has received from Ghanaian leaders.

“If I can get a present from our ex-President Nana Akufo-Addo and he would say, ‘Shatta, I have a gift for you’,” he stated.

The dancehall artiste used his experience to urge Ghanaians to avoid unnecessary hostility towards political leaders, particularly when seeking support or opportunities.

He questioned why some people spend their time insulting politicians while expecting those same leaders to assist them.

“When I see people fighting over political parties, I just feel like they shouldn’t go and look for something and do for the leaders to help them,” he said.

Shatta Wale argued that people should instead focus on building positive relationships and presenting their needs appropriately if they want assistance from political leaders.

“Some will be insulting the leaders. If you do those things, you won’t get the help,” he added.



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