Veteran Ghanaian actress Irene Opare has singled out dancehall star Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr., popularly known as Shatta Wale, as her favourite male artiste, praising the musician for a charisma she believes is uncommon among public figures.

In a recent interview, Irene Opare said her admiration for Shatta Wale goes beyond his music, describing him as a “real guy” whose personality and presence appeal to her.

“My favourite male artiste is Shatta Wale. I like everything about Shatta Wale and he is a real guy,” she said.

The actress, who has built a longstanding career in Ghana’s movie industry, also disclosed that music plays a major role in her personal life. Although acting remains her passion, she said she regularly listens to music and dances whenever she is at home.

“I love doing movies, but I love music. Movies are my passion, but music is my thing. On a regular day, if you find me at home, you will see me playing music and dancing,” she stated.

Irene Opare went further by comparing Shatta Wale’s appeal to that of Ghana’s late former President Jerry John Rawlings, arguing that both men possess a powerful presence that draws people to them irrespective of their views.

“He has something that most musicians and personalities don’t have, even politicians, which is charisma. Shatta is like the late JJ Rawlings for me and they have charisma,” she explained.

She maintained that Shatta Wale’s influence is so strong that even people who criticise him would still want to meet him if given the opportunity.

“If you hate Shatta, whether maybe he has insulted your mother or father and you hear that he is coming down the road, you will run to go and see him. You will go and shake his hand and that’s the charisma I’m talking about. Take it or leave it,” she noted.

Among Shatta Wale’s numerous songs, Irene Opare identified “On God” as her favourite, describing its message and delivery as spiritually powerful.

“I love all his songs, but ‘On God’ is my favourite. That song feels like a spirit when you’re singing it. It’s gospel music and it’s like you’re talking to God,” she added.

Her comments highlight the enduring appeal of Shatta Wale, one of Ghana’s most prominent dancehall artistes, whose outspoken personality, energetic performances and extensive catalogue have made him a major figure in the country’s entertainment scene.

Watch the videos below:

Shatta Wale is the GREATEST MUSICIAN Ghana has ever had -Ghanaian actress Irene Opare pic.twitter.com/jlk4WTTQbx

— we love ghana (@weloveghana042) September 1, 2026

Even if Apakye’s mother is to be alive she will still choose Sensible musician like Shatta Wale over her son who used her for sacrifice pic.twitter.com/zM1VLJbFbJ

— Ⓔ︎Ⓝ︎Ⓔ︎Ⓜ︎Ⓘ︎Ⓔ︎Ⓢ︎ Ⓜ︎Ⓞ︎Ⓣ︎Ⓗ︎Ⓔ︎Ⓡ︎ (@ShattaAletse) September 1, 2026

Source: Yvonne Nyarko Agyemang