Ghanaian dancehall heavyweight Charles Nii Armah Mensah, popularly known as Shatta Wale, has initiated a GH¢100 million defamation lawsuit against media personality and social commentator Blakk Rasta, accusing him of publishing false and damaging statements that have seriously harmed his reputation.
The suit, filed on January 8, 2026, by lawyers representing the award-winning musician at the Robert Smith Law Group, follows the circulation of a viral video titled “SHATTA WALE, SELF-CONFESSED KING OF FRAUD.” The video was published on December 15, 2025, across Blakk Rasta’s Blakk Empire Media social media platforms.
According to court documents, the video contained what Shatta Wale describes as reckless, malicious, and defamatory comments which portrayed him as a criminal figure involved in fraudulent activities. The musician maintains that the allegations are completely false and have no factual basis.
In the statement of claim, Shatta Wale asserts that Blakk Rasta publicly labelled him a fraudster who associates with individuals engaged in cybercrime and permits stolen funds to pass through his personal bank accounts. These accusations, the lawsuit argues, were presented as facts rather than opinions, thereby misleading the public.
One of the statements cited in the court filing reads: “He knows all the fraud boys in Ghana and outside Ghana. The Hausas have a saying that I like, ‘Aboki barawu shima barawu ne’, the friend of a thief is also a thief.”
Shatta Wale’s legal team insists that such statements were calculated to expose him to public hatred, ridicule, and contempt, both locally and internationally.
The writ further notes that the video gained significant traction within a short period, recording more than 150,000 views on Facebook and over 27,000 views on YouTube within the first 24 hours of publication. The widespread circulation, according to the claim, magnified the reputational damage suffered by the artist.
The musician argues that the content has negatively affected his personal life, professional standing, and business relationships. He claims that the allegations triggered anxiety and emotional distress among his family members, loyal fans, corporate partners, and international collaborators.
Shatta Wale, who has built a global brand over more than a decade, contends that his reputation is central to his livelihood. The lawsuit states that endorsement deals, performance bookings, and international partnerships depend heavily on credibility and public perception, all of which were allegedly undermined by the video.
The statement of claim describes the publication as “false, malicious, scandalous, and defamatory,” insisting that the defendant failed to verify the allegations before publishing them to a large audience.
As part of the reliefs being sought, Shatta Wale is asking the High Court to declare the statements defamatory. He is also requesting a perpetual injunction restraining Blakk Rasta from making or publishing similar allegations in the future.
Additionally, the suit demands the immediate removal of the video from all social media platforms under the control of Blakk Empire Media.
The musician is further seeking a court-ordered apology to be published as a full-page advertorial in the Daily Graphic, Ghanaian Times, and Graphic ShowBiz, acknowledging the falsehood of the allegations and retracting the statements in their entirety.
The GH¢100 million compensation being sought, according to the claim, represents damages for injury to reputation, emotional distress, loss of goodwill, and the potential financial consequences arising from the publication.
Shatta Wale’s legal team maintains that the defendant’s conduct goes beyond fair comment and constitutes a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of one of Ghana’s most influential musicians.
The lawsuit comes at a time when public discourse around freedom of speech, responsible commentary, and media accountability continues to intensify in Ghana. Legal experts note that while public figures are subject to scrutiny, allegations of criminal conduct must be supported by credible evidence before being made public.
Blakk Rasta, a former musician who has transitioned into broadcasting and social commentary, is known for his outspoken opinions on national issues and personalities. As of the time of filing this report, he has not publicly responded to the lawsuit or issued any statement addressing the claims.
The court is expected to set dates for preliminary hearings as the legal process unfolds.
The case is already generating significant public interest, with fans, industry stakeholders, and media analysts closely monitoring developments. Many see the lawsuit as a major test of the boundaries between commentary, criticism, and defamation in Ghana’s evolving digital media landscape.
For Shatta Wale, the legal action represents an attempt to defend his brand and legacy, which he says has been built through years of hard work, consistency, and international recognition.
As the matter proceeds before the High Court, all parties will have the opportunity to present evidence, after which the court will determine liability and possible remedies.
Africa Live News will continue to follow the case and provide verified updates as proceedings progress.
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