Ghanaian dancehall artist Shatta Wale, born Charles Nii Armah Mensah, has taken to Facebook to assert his influence on Ghana’s street culture and youth development, claiming that his impact helped steer many young people away from crime.
In a strongly worded post, the outspoken musician argued that without his presence and efforts alongside others he referred to as “Godfathers,” the crime rate in Ghana would have skyrocketed.
“If it wasn’t Shatta Wale, crime rate in Ghana go be gidigidi. We sacrificed with Godfathers that brought us up to put most of the youths out of crime,” he wrote.
Shatta Wale stressed that contrary to perceptions, he and his movement do not glorify crime but rather help combat it in their own way.
“We don’t support crime, we combat and eradicate crime like the Police sameway,” he added.
The post appears to be a response to critics who question his association with the streets and the messages in his music. Shatta Wale implied that many people fail to understand him because they have been disconnected from the street reality for years.
“Many of you keep missing the shots when Shatta talks and it’s because you deh dark room for many years lol,” he said, ending the post with his usual mix of humor and confidence.
This isn’t the first time the “On God” hitmaker has highlighted his street roots and the role he plays in youth empowerment. His statement has sparked conversation online about the influence of musicians on societal behavior and their role in shaping youth culture.
Shatta Wale continues to be a polarizing figure in Ghana’s music scene celebrated for his authenticity by fans and questioned by critics for his controversial takes.