Ghanaian musician Shatta Wale is receiving renewed praise from Presidential staffer of Blackstar Experience, Rex Owusu Marfo, popularly known in showbiz as Rex Omar who describes him as one of the true drivers of modern Ghanaian music.
Speaking on Prime Morning on Joy Prime on November 19, he reflected on the years of advocacy he and his colleagues championed to push for better structures within Ghana’s creative space.
He said Shatta Wale represents the same boldness and determination he once brought into the industry.
Asked which young artiste mirrors his passion for advocacy, he responded without hesitation: “I see myself in Shatta Wale. He picked up what I started and took it to a different level. I’m proud that today, a Ghanaian musician, a Ghanaian creative, is finally receiving the attention we’ve been fighting for.”
Rex Omar further noted that the recognition Shatta Wale and other creatives enjoy today is the result of years of persistent lobbying, that is, efforts he believes government is now beginning to appreciate.
He also recalled listening to the announcement of the 2026 national budget while in South Africa and expressed satisfaction that, for the first time, GH₵20 million had been allocated to the Film Fund and another GH₵20 million to the Creative Arts Fund, among other interventions.
“This is a step in the right direction,” he said, adding that although more needs to be done, the seed funding has the potential to attract even greater investment into the sector.
Rex Omar’s comments come as the government reiterates its commitment to making the creative economy a significant contributor to Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), following years of calls from industry players for stronger policies, funding, and institutional support.
