Ghanaian music executive Lawrence Nana Asiama Hanson, known in showbiz as Bullgod, has revealed that his time managing dancehall star Shatta Wale nearly cost him valuable relationships in the entertainment industry.
He described Shatta Wale as one of the most challenging artists he has ever worked with, citing his unpredictable behaviour and refusal to stick to agreements as major obstacles.
“He insulted my boss at Charterhouse and I was working with them at the time. That nearly cost me a lot. I got a lot of enemies just managing Shatta Wale.”
He explained that the outburst placed him in a difficult position, torn between loyalty to his artist and respect for his professional relationships. He added that such incidents were not unusual. “Managing him felt like a test. I hope I passed,” he said.
Bullgod recalled how Shatta Wale would often agree to certain engagements only to cancel at the last minute. “You can have an agreement with him, and the next morning he will refuse to go for the engagement,” he noted.
Citing an example from the Ghana Music Awards, he said organisers agreed during a meeting that Shatta Wale would perform only one song. “There was an agreement during the meeting that he would perform only one song and he did something different,” Bullgod revealed.
He also spoke about the artist’s controversial media appearances, explaining that Shatta Wale often escalated issues across multiple platforms.
“He went on Joy FM, had issues there, and before it could end, he continued on YFM,” he said, adding that the constant drama made his work behind the scenes even more difficult.
Despite the challenges, Bullgod insisted his time with Shatta Wale was not a failure. He highlighted their achievements, including the artist’s return to the Ghana Music Awards after years of absence. “After he came back, we were able to get him nominated, and he won,” he said.
Bullgod praised Shatta Wale’s impact, describing him as one of the most influential figures in Ghanaian music.
“He is a good musician, no doubt. He understands the music, he knows how to connect with the streets, and he has built a strong following. Whether people like him or not, Shatta is the dancehall king of Ghana.”
He added that the experience helped him grow as a manager, teaching him new ways to navigate the industry.
Away from music, Bullgod also touched on the Menzgold saga, revealing that he lost a significant amount of money when the company was shut down.
He criticised the government’s handling of the situation. “There are customs you follow when shutting down a company. You must ensure everyone owed is paid before taking such action,” he said, adding that some people even lost their lives as a result.
Bullgod advised creatives not to see award losses as failure, stressing that nominations alone are a form of recognition. “Not winning doesn’t mean someone has won over you. Sometimes, the most difficult experiences are the ones that teach you the most,” he said.
Bullgod Explains Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy’s Styles
The artiste manager and entertainment pundit once again declared his conviction that Shatta Wale remains the undisputed Dancehall king in Ghana.
Bullgod, who previously managed Shatta Wale, was asked by a viewer to name who he regards as the true king of the genre.
According to him, while Stonebwoy is exceptionally talented, his craft leans more towards Afro-dancehall rather than traditional Dancehall.
“Shatta has always stayed loyal to the pure Dancehall sound. Stonebwoy also does brilliantly, but he himself identifies with Afro-dancehall. For the real Dancehall crown, you cannot take it away from Shatta. He has worn it and defended it for years. The evidence is there, and it cannot be denied.”
His comments come amidst renewed debate about the origins of Afro-dancehall and who should be credited with introducing the term.
Stonebwoy, in a separate conversation on the same platform, explained that although the style existed before, he was the one who coined the term “Afro-dancehall.”
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