Dancehall sensation Shatta Wale has expressed that Ghanaian artists, including himself, cannot be compared to the current stature of Nigerian stars like Davido, Burna Boy, and Wizkid.
In an interview with Takoradi-based Empire FM, he credited Nigerian artists’ rapid success to the great support they receive from their compatriots.
Shatta Wale gave examples of Nigerian artists such as Davido and Burna Boy visiting Ghana and forming deep bonds with him, underlining the brotherhood and solidarity among Nigerian artists.
He stated that this togetherness has catapulted Nigerian artists to a higher level of global prominence than their Ghanaian counterparts.
Furthermore, Shatta Wale chastised entertainment shows for frequently depicting his image negatively. Despite this, he acknowledged that he takes advantage of these opportunities to turn hostility into personal gain.
Responding to attacks regarding his eligibility for a diplomatic passport, particularly from entertainment analyst Ola Michael, Shatta Wale questioned why other artists, including as Stonebwoy and Sarkodie, who have also encountered issues, were not similarly singled out.
Shatta Wale stated that he would prefer that media personalities support for the cause of Ghanaian artists having diplomatic passports rather than attacking individual artists during conversations. He emphasized that such negativity may be dismissed by politicians, impeding collective growth.
Shatta Wale’s comments prompted a heated debate regarding the health of Ghana’s music business and the support given to artists. While some people agree with his assessment of the industry’s issues, others say he is unduly critical.
It remains to be seen whether Shatta Wale’s comments would result in any tangible improvements to the support framework for Ghanaian artists. However, his words have succeeded in raising awareness about these concerns and starting a crucial dialogue about altering the broader environment of the music industry.
