Renowned sports journalist, Gary Al-Smith has urged Dancehall act Shatta Wale to seize the momentum from the massive success of ShattaFest 2025 to solidify the Shatta Movement (SM) as Africa’s most dominant and recognisable musical brand.
In a Facebook post sighted by Graphic Showbiz, Gary Al-Smith hailed the scale of fan mobilisation and street energy that defined the Independence Square concert, describing it as proof of the unparalleled loyalty Shatta Wale commands in Ghana and beyond.
He therefore called him to action to consolidate the massive support and influence he commands.
“Dear President Wale, this is Shatta Wale Shatta Movement. This is who we are. If you even give us two days’ notice using just one tweet, we will show up for you. But we have one yearning: lead us to capitalise on this to cement SM as Africa’s biggest musical brand,” he wrote.
The journalist’s post comes after ShattaFest 2025, organised to mark the 40th birthday of the Dancehall King drew tens of thousands of fans to the Black Star Square. The event featured electrifying performance from Shatta Wale alongside other industry big names including King Promise, Medikal, Wendy Shay and Kweku Flick.
Gary’s call echoes growing sentiments within Ghana’s entertainment industry that Shatta Wale’s influence extends far beyond music. Industry watchers, including entertainment analyst Tilly Akua Nipaa, recently attributed Wale’s dominance to his “fearless authenticity and boldness in an industry where others play safe.”
Similarly, blogger Arnold Mensah Elavanyo has previously argued that Shatta Wale’s cultural impact and leadership within the creative sector merit national recognition, even suggesting he deserves a diplomatic passport.
According to him, Shatta Wale’s global appeal, particularly among the youth and the diaspora, positions him as an asset in promoting Ghana on the international stage.
He suggested a strategic collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Diaspora Affairs Office, and Shatta Wale’s management to officially engage him in branding Ghana as an attractive tourist and investment destination.
“A nation that does not celebrate its heroes is not worth dying for. Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, kindly consider giving Charles Nii Armah Mensah a diplomatic passport as his birthday gift. He deserves it. There is a lot he can do for Ghana in the arts industry worldwide.”
“Let’s use our personalities to rebrand and strategically position Ghana on the globe. Let’s not waste the influence, numbers, and goodwill Shatta Wale has. Now that the iron is hot, let’s strike it hard.”
Elavanyo further hinted that giving Shatta Wale a diplomatic passport would not only be symbolic but a practical step in leveraging celebrity diplomacy to market Ghana globally.
“He is loved deeply and wherever he goes, the love will follow him. No Ghanaian will oppose this move; it will rather buy goodwill for now and the future.”
