Ghanaian dancehall heavyweight Shatta Wale has cleared the air about his relationship with fellow music star Stonebwoy, revealing that contrary to popular belief, there is no bad blood between them. In fact, the two award-winning artistes share a cordial relationship and live just five minutes away from each other.
Shatta Wale, born Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr., made this revelation during a recent media engagement, where he addressed what he called the “fabricated rivalries” often pushed by the media to create tension among fan bases. According to the “On God” hitmaker, the narratives surrounding his supposed ongoing feud with Stonebwoy, and even veteran reggae/dancehall artist Samini, are often exaggerated and untrue.
“It will shock people to know that Stonebwoy, Samini, and the others are all on good terms, but the media only focuses on the negatives,” Shatta Wale said.
He stressed that many Ghanaians believe there is constant conflict among top musicians because of how the media chooses to present their interactions. Shatta Wale noted that such portrayals are often taken out of context or deliberately sensationalized for clicks and engagement.
“People think we are always fighting, but it’s not true,” he explained. “Stonebwoy and I are actually neighbours. We live about five minutes from each other, and we greet when we see one another. There’s no war going on.”
Media Narratives Fueling Fan Rivalries
The multiple award-winning artist, known for his unapologetic candour and dominance in the dancehall scene, acknowledged that part of the showbiz culture involves a bit of drama and hype. However, he cautioned that it should not be allowed to undermine real-life friendships or encourage toxic behaviour among fan bases.
“I see people getting worked up online, attacking others in the name of loyalty to their favorite artists. But they don’t know that behind the scenes, we are cool. Even Stonebwoy doesn’t like how the media tries to make it look like we’re enemies,” Shatta Wale emphasized.
He also pointed out how some bloggers and entertainment pundits have built entire careers around fuelling celebrity conflicts without considering the long-term effects such narratives have on the industry’s unity and image.
“Some people make money off confusion. The more fans believe we’re beefing, the more content they create around it. But that’s not real. It’s not the truth,” he said.
Call for Unity in the Music Industry
Shatta Wale used the opportunity to advocate for unity and mutual respect within Ghana’s entertainment industry. He believes that collaboration and understanding between artists will not only benefit the individuals involved but also push the industry forward globally.
“We need to be united. The Nigerian music industry is booming because their artists support one another, even if they have their issues. In Ghana, the moment people think two artistes have a misunderstanding, it becomes a national topic,” he said.
The “Melissa” crooner insisted that while healthy competition is natural and even beneficial in music, it must never be twisted into personal animosity. He encouraged fans to enjoy the music without getting emotionally entangled in invented celebrity feuds.
“We are entertainers. Sometimes we play along with the hype just to create a buzz for our songs or shows. But people shouldn’t take it too seriously. It’s showbiz, not war,” he said.
A History of Misunderstandings
Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy have been at the centre of multiple controversial moments over the years, including the infamous 2019 VGMA (Vodafone Ghana Music Awards) incident where a confrontation between their entourages led to the two being temporarily banned from the awards scheme. Though both artists later made peace publicly, including staging a joint press conference to signify reconciliation, segments of the media and public have continued to push the narrative of rivalry.
“That VGMA incident was blown out of proportion. Yes, things got out of hand, but we resolved it like brothers. It’s history now,” Shatta Wale said.
Since then, the two have shared a stage and even hinted at collaborative projects, though fans continue to read into their every move.
Promoting Positivity in Showbiz
As someone who commands one of the largest and most passionate fanbases in Ghana, Shatta Wale says he feels a responsibility to set a positive tone. While he admits to occasionally feeding into the hype for entertainment purposes, he believes it’s time the focus shifted toward growth, collaboration, and uplifting the culture.
“We can have fun. We can throw jabs in our songs, but let it be for creativity, not for division. I’ve been around long enough to know what really matters in the long run — and that’s love, unity, and legacy,” he concluded.
Conclusion: Time to Rethink Celebrity Rivalries
Shatta Wale’s comments serve as a timely reminder of the need to separate entertainment narratives from real-life relationships. As Ghanaian music continues to grow on the global stage, the call for unity among artists and more responsible journalism within the entertainment space is more critical than ever.
Fans, bloggers, and industry stakeholders are being urged to support a healthier music ecosystem—one that thrives on collaboration, authenticity, and mutual respect.
Shatta Wale’s message is clear: behind the spotlight and the social media buzz, many of Ghana’s top artists share bonds that run deeper than the drama. It’s time the public and the press catch up with that reality.
