Shatta Movement
The ability to entertain and connect with others is a trait admired by many. To be an amazing entertainer, a person must possess a talent or gift that audiences want to see as well as demonstrate a level of comfort performing in front of others. Being an entertainer is not for the faint of heart. This title requires a level of vulnerability that pushes a creative to deliver their craft and even share certain aspects of self with audiences.
A great entertainer is enthusiastic, confident, adaptable, and creative. This week we focus on a Dancehall King, who never fails to entertain and keep fans engaged. This week it all about Shatta Wale.
Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr, popularly known as Shatta Wale is a multifaceted entertainer who is known as a: singer, songwriter, actor, sound engineer (Da Maker), and serial entrepreneur. Shatta Wale first entered into the music scene as Bandana with his first major release in 2004. Since he entered the music industry, Shatta Wale has managed to redefine and re-establish his brand over the years. In 2013, Shatta Wale solidified his transition from Bandana to Shatta Wale. With this rebranding came a new wave of music, a new image, and a new brand for consumers.
As Shatta Wale, fans and consumers have been introduced and exposed to a creative blend of dancehall, reggae, afrobeat, and Afropop music. Shatta’s creativity has cultivated a strong fan base as well as earned him several accolades. During the duration of Shatta Wale’s career to date, he has been awarded over 71 Awards branching from 4SYTE Music Video Award to the International Reggae & World Music Awards (IRAWMA). To date, Shatta has eight projects which consist of albums, mixtapes, and Ep’s.
Shatta is beloved by fans for his over the top personality, realness, bluntness, consistency and comedic ways. Shatta has achieved notable street credibility and is often referred to as the Ghetto Youth President or 1DON. In everything, Shatta pursues fans are continuously met with Shatta’s enthusiasm, confidence, adaptability, and creativity.
This week the category is ” Shatta Movement.”
Moko Hoo feat. Tinny
Released in 2004, Moko Hoo was Bandana’s first major release. This song features Ghanaian rapper Tinny. Moko Hoo is a hiplife song that includes ragga elements. This song earned Shatta Wale a Ghana Music Awards nomination and is considered Shatta’s first hit song.
Anastasia
Anastasia is a dancehall track released under the name Bandana in 2012. Shatta sings about a girl named Anastasia and his love for the girl. Joint 77 of the SM militants can be spotted in the video.
Dancehall King
Dancehall King solidified Shatta Wale’s transition from Bandana to Shatta Wale. This song made waves as Shatta declared and proclaimed he is and was the Dancehall King of Ghana. This song is a unique blend of dancehall and afrobeat. Shatta merges a danceable beat with fun and catchy lyrics.
Everybody Like My Tin
Everybody Like My Tin is another catchy afrobeat infused dancehall track produced and delivered by Shatta Wale. Everybody Like My Tin earned Shatta Wale Best Reggae/Dancehall Video and Most Popular Video at the 4Syte TV Music Video Awards.
Dancehall Commando (Remix) featuring Sarkodie
Produced by Shatta himself, Dancehall Commando was a popular street anthem. In 2014, Shatta Wale teamed up with Sarkodie to remix Dancehall Commando.
Free We
Shatta delivers a heartfelt ballad about the struggles of poverty. Free We provide insight into Shatta Wale’s journey as well as insight into the “Ghetto Youth Story.” This song is relatable on so many levels with its simple message of brighter days.
Hosanna featuring Burna Boy
Hosanna is a motivational song that features Nigerian artiste, Burna Boy. The pair collaborate to create a dynamic Afrobeat banger.
Shatta Wale – Freedom
With only seven words, Shatta Wale constructed a dance anthem with Freedom. Shatta chants freedom on an upbeat and up-tempo dance instrumental. Freedom is bound to have you dancing and chanting Freedom
Kakai
Off the album After the Storm, Kakai was a major hit internationally and on Ghanaian charts. Kakai proclaims Shatta’s continuous reign as the dancehall king.
Gringo
Gringo is a reggae dancehall song released in 2018. The song was produced by Da Maker. Gringo enjoyed international success on international charts.
My Level
Produced by Paq, My level is a feel-good highlife song. Shatta speaks to all of our hopes and dreams as we hustle in this life.
Beyoncé, Shatta Wale, Major Lazer – ALREADY
In 2019 Shatta Wale was featured on Beyoncé’s, The Gift album with a track entitled Already. Shatta Wale alongside Queen B, deliver an afrobeats jam fit for any party. Already is also featured on Beyoncé’s upcoming film Black is King.
Over the years, Shatta Wale has developed and delivered an outstanding catalogue which demonstrates his level of creativity as well as his ability to adapt to the changing time. Be sure to check out Shatta’s latest project Manacles of A Shatta. Manacles of A Shatta is a seven-track Extended Play capturing street life and street vibes.