Ghanaian dancehall artiste Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr., popularly known as Shatta Wale, has explained why he has remained an independent musician for years, saying his ability to handle key areas of his career made him less dependent on record labels.

The “On God” hitmaker said he discovered early in his career that he was already carrying out many duties usually assigned to record companies, from creating music to managing its promotion and distribution.

According to Shatta Wale, his understanding of technology and the music business allowed him to produce, package and release his works without relying heavily on external backing.

“I found out I was doing everything a record label needed: producing my own beats, mixing them, mastering them, doing my own flyers, uploading them on YouTube myself and on other stores myself because I’m a tech person, so I learnt all those things,” he said.

The award-winning musician explained that taking control of his career also helped him generate income, save and explore other investment opportunities using the resources he had built over time.

“I saw it from like 10 years ago that I could run myself properly and make money. I’ve been able to build that, save those monies, even venture into playing games on my phone and winning bigger money with the same money. So I’ve flipped the money,” he stated.

Shatta Wale acknowledged that record labels can provide artistes with major financial support, global exposure and industry connections, but warned that such partnerships come with expectations.

“The advantage is that they can push you to become a superstar, but it’s up to you to maintain it. The money they put into you, you have to put it at the back of your mind that they are going to get a lot from you,” he said.

The musician, who has built one of Ghana’s most recognisable brands through his SM movement, added that owning his catalogue and understanding the business side of music puts him in a stronger position when considering future partnerships.

Shatta Wale maintained that while he remains open to opportunities, protecting control over his creative works and investments will continue to be a major factor in any deal he considers.

Watch the interview below:

This is game for artists who want to be independent. Listen to Shatta Wale pic.twitter.com/9LKLNWSJXu

— Billy ThaGoat 🐐♏️ (@Billy_ThaGoat) July 28, 2026

Source: Yvonne Nyarko Agyemang