In a move which surprised many, popular Ghanaian artiste, Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr., otherwise known as Shatta Wale, took to YouTube on Wednesday 2nd June 2021, to give a State of the Industry Address as he touched on several issues, ranging from his personal brand to the Ghanaian music industry.
From this address, we have highlighted five major takeaways that are the crux of the video. Here are the points:
1. Return from Social Media Exile
Although many Nigerian music fans may opine that Shatta Wale's absence was barely noticed, his Ghanaian fanbase would not have the same opinion. Shatta Wale announced his return to social media after a month's absence, citing professional reasons for the hiatus.
2. Upcoming Collaboration with Naira Marley, Popcaan, and others
The dancehall singer also disclosed that he had been working on his album and had shot some videos on his trip to the United States. To the excitement of music fans, he announced that collaboration with Naira Marley and Popcaan is in the offing as his 'GoG' album appears to be getting ready for public release.
3. Lack of identity for Ghanaian music
Shatta Wale revealed that he had encounters with top American artistes and attended many business meetings as well. One thing that stood out from the interaction, according to the singer, was the inability to give a name to the kind of music Ghanaians make or a specific brand for the music industry in his homeland. The question now is, will this raise questions as to how Afrobeats is perceived in Ghana if Shatta Wale refuses to be categorized as an Afrobeats artiste?
4. Call for increased emphasis on Ghana music
In what seemed like a passionate appeal, Shatta Wale called on music stakeholders to give nothing less than 90 percent airtime and preference to music by Ghanaians and 10 percent to music from other countries.
5. Decentralization of music events from Accra
The award-winning musician also stated in the address that Accra, the capital city of Ghana, enjoys being the only location considered for shows and other music events. He, however, argued that involving other cities would fast track their growth and help encourage the talents in such regions who may not be able to afford moving to Accra.
Watch the video below;
