The intense rivalry between Ghanaian dancehall stars Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale has led authorities to take new steps – requiring event organizers to consult police before booking the two artists for the same show, according to Shatta Wale’s manager.
In an interview last week, manager Sammy Flex revealed that Ghana Police Service has instituted a ban preventing promoters from hosting Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale on the same bill without first discussing security plans with officials.
Flex pointed to the recent Ghana DJ Awards as an example, claiming Stonebwoy did not attend due to the new police protocol with Shatta Wale performing there. The high-profile event proceeded smoothly without incident.
The move comes years after a infamous confrontation between Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale at the 2019 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards went viral globally. Stonebwoy brandished a firearm on stage after being rushed by Shatta Wale and his crew, though no shots were fired.
While the two stars later reconciled, tensions and occasional verbal sparring between their fan bases still flare up frequently. As Ghana’s two biggest dancehall acts, Stonebwoy and Shata Wale each command devoted followings stretching back years in their careers.
Now before any promoter or organizer can book the longtime rivals for the same festival, concert, or awards show, they must consult with police to map out plans for robust security and measures to keep the two artists and their opposing camps separated throughout the event.
Authorities likely hope introducing preventive conversations ahead of time can avoid risky altercations like the 2019 incident. However, the new red tape represents another obstacle for promoters aiming to capture buzz by uniting two of Ghana’s hottest musical acts on shared stages down the road.
For Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale themselves, the police intervention marks the latest chapter in an explosive relationship that has delivered both fiery clashes and massive hits. Whether their controversy can be managed safely enough to satisfy authorities wary of further conflict remains the lingering question facing Ghana’s thriving entertainment scene.
Merqury Quaye told me Ghana Police said he can’t put both Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale on the same show without their approval & they will arrest him if he allows both of them perform at the Ghana DJ Awards ~ Sammy Baah flex
— LA Manste 🤴🏿 (@nshonasia) November 29, 2023
kwesi Arthur | Onana | Sarkodie | pic.twitter.com/HoOG5Yb4vQ
