Famous Ghanaian dancehall performer Charles Nii Armah Mensah, better known by his stage name Shatta Wale, has responded cynically to the #PlayGhana campaign, which promotes and elevates Ghanaian music above songs from other countries.
Shatta Wale expressed doubts about the #PlayGhana initiative’s efficacy despite its recent launch by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Creative Arts Agency, and industry stakeholders.
On Sunday, December 17, 2023, he tweeted that artists are powerless to stop foreign music from taking over the nation. According to Shatta Wale, even ten percent of foreign music will eclipse the entire Ghanaian music industry.
Moreover, Shatta Wale identified jealousy as a major obstacle and linked internal disputes among Ghanaian musicians to the music industry’s sluggish development. He declared, “A country with so much jealousy when it’s not them in the frontline.”
The Creative Arts Agency has encouraged music producers and Disc Jockeys (DJs) to prioritize and play local music during the festive season as part of efforts to promote and amplify the rich sounds of Ghanaian music.
Earlier on, Samini reacted to Shatta Wale on social media after the latter made fun of the #PlayGhana campaign.
The performer made fun of the movement’s founders for their desire to outlaw foreign music in Ghana.
In response to Shatta Wale, Samini asked whether it is improper for artists to request that more locally produced content be broadcast on their channels.
He claims that the only reason Shatta Wale is upset is because he did not recommend #PlayGhana.
“Bro Lol. Ghana has become a spotlight over the last few years and this is not ending anytime soon. What’s wrong with creatives appealing for more local content on our airwaves? Who does this hurt? So if it’s not your suggestion then it’s nonsense eeh lol. Shut up I beg” Samini’s post on X read.
