Controversial reggae dancehall artiste Charles Nii Armah Mensah known in showbiz as Shatta Wale has begged the Inspector General of Police Dr George Akuffo Dampare on behalf of all the entertainers in the creative arts industry to be allowed to live freely as they wish.
On Wednesday, November 10, 2021, the IGP met with a cross-section of the players in the creative arts industry in Ghana to discuss how the police can work together with them.
Prior to their meeting, the IGP had met with the Christian Council and editors of the various media houses in Ghana.
Shatta Wale in the course of the meeting pleaded that entertainers must be allowed to live their artistic life.
“We respect our elders but they should also learn to respect that this is our time because the things that are happening now it’s the kids that are showing us we don’t know it, so I believe they should give us that chance to live that artistic life”, Shatta said.
Speaking to Adom TV, Shatta Wale explained that their job as entertainers involves stunt creation, and it might be done repeatedly. If the rules become stiff it means they will go to jail countless times.
The ‘Melissa’ hitmaker also added that musicians should be allowed to be their real selves, instead of trying to please others by living fake lives.
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“Because I can’t pretend, I can’t say because it’s IGP so I have to wear coat and tie and look so extra. I feel like no, IGP knows who I am so I will appear as me, but sometimes I feel our people see it to be like a disrespect [and say things like] 'see how he’s dressed', 'he’s a rascal'...but you know it’s the job and this is my uniform”, Shatta added.
He further made reference to his way of dressing as an example of what a typical entertainer would wear.
He said Ghanaians have a primitive culture and he believes it should be changed.
He also added that he has a lot of properties and programmes to support orphanages that he manages but people never mention that.
His critics, he lamented, seem to be only concerned with his looks and behaviour which he believes should not be the case.