Ghanaian dancehall star Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr., popularly known as Shatta Wale, has disclosed that his financial success and lifestyle have been built through his music career and the support he has received from Ghanaian leaders over the years.

Speaking on ‘Audacity Of The Art’, the “On God” hitmaker said successive governments, including administrations led by President John Dramani Mahama and former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, have shown appreciation for his contribution to Ghana’s entertainment industry.

Shatta Wale insisted that he has nothing to conceal about his achievements, explaining that his success is connected to the opportunities and recognition he has received as an artiste.

“All this money and lifestyle I’m living is not from anywhere; it’s from Ghana. From President Mahama to Akufo-Addo to every government, all have supported Shatta Wale. I won’t lie about it, so if Ghanaians are sitting down and watching me like, ‘Where am I getting the money from and the FBI will catch me,’ it’s the leaders that love what I’m doing,” he said.

The dancehall musician also spoke highly of former President John Dramani Mahama, describing him as a leader who respected his career and protected his image as an entertainer. Shatta Wale recalled that Mahama once advised him against actively campaigning for him, despite calls from supporters for the artiste to lend his influence to his political efforts.

“Our President Mahama really respects me like a star. Once upon a time, he told me personally that he doesn’t want me to do a campaign for him. He knew his people were calling, but he didn’t want to spoil my future, so I should do my thing. That’s a real man. He doesn’t play with me when it comes to music. It’s not even about politics,” he stated.

He further mentioned a personal gesture from former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, saying the former president’s actions reflected the respect he has received from political figures.

“If I can get a present from our ex-President Nana Akufo-Addo and he would say, ‘Shatta, I have a gift for you,’” he added.

Shatta Wale, who has remained one of Ghana’s most influential dancehall artistes since breaking into the mainstream with hit songs such as “Dancehall King” and “Taking Over,” advised young people to avoid attacking political leaders while seeking opportunities from them.

“When I see people fighting over political parties, I just feel like they shouldn’t go and look for something and do for the leaders to help them. Some will be insulting the leaders. If you do those things, you won’t get the help,” he said.

His comments have sparked discussions about the relationship between Ghana’s entertainment industry and political leadership, particularly the role of public figures in engaging with successive governments.

Watch the interview below:

🇬🇭 Shatta Wale reveals that President Mahama advised him not to campaign for him, saying it could affect his future. pic.twitter.com/c6tzqhMV8O

— CDR AFRICA (@cdrafrica) August 2, 2026

Source: Yvonne Nyarko Agyemang