Entertainment journalist and analyst Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo has questioned Shatta Wale about the musician’s recent narrative in which he criticized his colleague Stonebwoy for being a curtain-raiser.

On the back of the comparison between Ghanaian and Nigerian musicians, Stonebwoy in a conversation talked about the state of the Ghana music industry in light of the successful O2 Arena concert by Nigerian artiste Asake.

In his narrative, Stonebwoy, along with others, asserted that the imposition of such pressures would yield no solutions unless the proper systems were established. He emphasized the necessity for increased industry awareness to foster its growth.

However, in a video circulating on social media, Shatta Wale strongly rebuked Stonebwoy’s remarks. He argued that Stonebwoy was diminishing his own worth and predicted that he would never attain the same level of respect and attention as top Nigerian artists.

He stated:

“Stonebwoy was asked if he was facing pressure, and he said no pressure, but awareness. You dress and do your Instagram photos like Burna Boy. Hasn’t anyone told you? You are facing pressure, which is why you want to go on stage later, Do you want to be on stage at the same time as Wizkid? Look at what you did at Afro-nation Detroit. You were given time to come on stage, you wanted to go at the time you wanted.

“You allow yourself to be paid $10,000 while Burna Boy gets paid $300,000. Did you expect to be treated like an important person? You are just a curtain raiser!! You will never get the same platform as Wizkid, Davido, or Burna Boy!”.
Shatta Wale

In response to Shatta Wale’s outburst, Arnold asserted that serving as an opening act or curtain raiser is not in any way belittling to an artist.

He said:

“What is wrong with being a curtain raiser? Stonebwoy was the curtain raiser at Global Citizen. Did he die? Was he not paid? He said Stonebwoy can never get to the level of Wizkid and Burna Boy. Is he God? Does he know what will happen in the next five years? He said Wizkid is the eye; Davido is the eye, so, what are you [Shatta]? The arm or the leg? Or the buttocks?”

“You say Stonebwoy took $10,000. How much are you paid? Were you even contacted for a performance? If yes, how much did you charge and how did negotiations go for you to reject the offer? It’s not like you’re telling us you were contacted but rejected the offer; you’re mocking a colleague who supposedly took $10,000 for a performance”.
Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo

Arnold further added:

“He’s the same person who will cry about unity in the industry, yet, you turn around and spew such comments and cause rift. And when we talk about your double standard, we are rather tagged as the problem”.
Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo

Arnold challenges Fameye’s low diaspora event attendance narrative

Fameye’s assertion that Ghanaians abroad refuse to attend events organized by Ghanaian musicians outside the country is refuted by Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo, an entertainment journalist, who raised questions about the promotional strategies employed in marketing the show.

Fameye said that many Ghanaian acts are forced to cancel their shows due to coldness from the Ghanaian community in the diaspora.

He was quoted to have said:

“Since I blew up in 2019, I have played shows in the UK and America. I have gone with other people and it didn’t work for us. Even if it would work for us, the Ghanaians have to be the majority there and even that, they are shy to tag along.

“Why do Ghanaian artists keep canceling their shows? They don’t come. If Wizkid holds a show, even if the show is four months away, it will be sold out. I’ve witnessed it, in New York, and I don’t want to mention names. Big, big names from here. Just last year, they had a concert in a small place. Not even ten people showed up. If I mention names, you would be surprised”.
Fameye

According to Arnold, some Ghanaian musicians have had successful events abroad, hence, Fameye’s account is problematic. He argued that the level of enthusiasm and exuberance from the public are whipped up through strategic marketing and promotion.

He said:

“We’ve seen how Ghanaians abroad received and patronized the events of Stonebwoy, Sarkodie, King Promise, and co. I don’t see a pint of shyness. I have worked over a period, and a favorite artist who is popular and has pedigree is coming to my vicinity and I say I’m shy. I won’t appear? How? It beats my mind.

“He said if it’s a Wizkid show, the Ghanaian would make sure he seeks permission from work or go on leave within that period. Let’s even assume Fameye is right. Why do you think the Ghanaian would do that? Because Wizkid is popular, his song is popular and whoever is doing the event has promoted it to the extent that you cannot afford to miss it”.
Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo