In the vibrant tapestry of Ghana’s music scene, Shatta Wale shines as a beacon of success and talent. He has single-handedly stamped his authority, gaining not only domestic but also international acclaim. But with great power comes great responsibility. How does an artist of Shatta Wale’s stature use his influence for the betterment of the industry?
Popular Ghanaian entertainment journalist, Emmanuel Kwame Sarpong who is know as Olele Salvador has in a tweet called out the self acclaimed dancehall king to use his talent, technical expertise to nurture the new acts rather than also attacking the music industry.
Olele Salvador’s submission comes at the point where Nigerian Afrobeat act, Asake was trending on social media for filling the O2Arena with his show yesterday. Ghanaians took to their socials to start the comparison between Ghanaian acts and their Nigeria counterparts.
Shatta wale also took the opportunity to make mockery of his colleagues in the industry and the industry as a whole.
Seems this act from the dancehall artiste did not go to well with Olele Salvador as he took the opportunity to call out Shatta wale for failing to nurture young acts with his expertise but rather always insulting his colleagues.
Olele Salvador added that the genius behind the moniker ‘Da Maker’, Shatta Wale, has indeed mastered the art of creating catchy beats and delivering hit after hit. But is there more that he could do to usher in the next wave of talent? The essence of this argument is not to diminish his achievements, but to remind him of the potential he holds in reshaping the future of Ghanaian music.
Olele Salvador in his tweet acknowledge the fact that the music industry thrives on unity. A united front allows for the creation of timeless music that transcends geographical boundaries. In his speeches and interviews, Shatta Wale emphasizes unity, but his actions sometimes suggest otherwise. The reluctance to collaborate with fellow artists and the apparent preference to lead rather than join could limit the collective impact he and other artists could have.
One must look at the examples set by peers in the industry. Sarkodie’s nurturing of Akwaboah and Strongman, Samini’s mentoring of Kofi Kinaata and Stonebwoy, and Aarhbwoy’s discovery of Kelvinboy – these are testament to the power of mentorship. These proteges have not only carried forward the legacy of their mentors but have also carved niches for themselves. He added.
Comparatively, Shatta Wale’s militants have yet to make such a mark. This is not a slight on their talent, but perhaps an indication that more can be done in terms of guidance and direction.
No doubt, success in the industry isn’t solely about the number of protégés one has. However, as the saying goes, “A tree is best measured when it’s down.” The true measure of an artist’s legacy is the positive impact they leave behind. This includes nurturing new talent and contributing constructively to the music ecosystem.
Olele Salvador took the opportunity to challenge Shatta Wale to take the baton and uses his prowess, not just to criticize but to mold and elevate, as the ecosystem needs his expertise, and the upcoming talent could benefit immensely from his mentorship.
He also use the opportunity to advise the “On God” hitmaker to stop insulting their mothers and always remembering them that he has money than everyone since that doesn’t solve the problems in the music industry. He added that he should rather get to work and show Ghanaians and the world what he got
Here is what Olele Salvador has to say in his tweet ……
👨🏾🍳🇬🇭: It would be greatly appreciated if Shatta Wale utilized his impact and influence to nurture more talented artists and create captivating beats(which he’s also known for as ‘Da Maker), rather than consistently offering his thoughts on the state of the Ghana Music.
Considering his immense success and the respect he has garnered, it is unfortunate that there are no notable disciples from his camp who have emerged as great artists in their own right.
Shatta Wale often preaches about unity, yet he seems reluctant to unite with his fellow artists to collectively make the statement he so passionately urges Ghanaian artists to make. If he is not leading the charge, he refuses to join it. This mindset cannot prevail at all times. Sometimes, one’s impact can be felt even as a backing vocalist, as exemplified by Olamide and Asake.
I dare him to rise to the occasion, utilize his technical expertise, and contribute positively to the ecosystem, rather than constantly criticizing it.
While it is understandable that he does not wish to be compared, it is worth reminding him that Sarkodie has given us Akwaboah and Strongman, while Samini did with Kofi Kinaata and Stonebwoy & Aarhbwoy has gifted the ecosystem with Kelvinboy.
Unfortunately, not much can be said about Shatta Wale’s militants, which is a complete failure on his part as a leader.
We are all responsible for the current state of affairs.
Insulting our mordas and telling us you have more money than us, has never solved the problem.
So how about you actually get to work and show us what you got, Onukpa?
