Shatta Wale
The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) has cautioned artistes against making public statements that could be seen as encouraging or celebrating online fraud. The warning, signed by MUSIGA President Bessa Simons, comes about a week after dancehall star Shatta Wale sparked a heated national debate with comments he made on stage at ShattaFest 2026 in Accra.
Watch the Video
Here is a video discussing Shatta Wale’s fraud comments at ShattaFest 2026 and what they mean for young fans:
What MUSIGA Said
In its statement, MUSIGA said it respects the right of musicians to speak on issues such as governance, unemployment, corruption and justice. However, the union stressed that “no grievance against public institutions justifies statements that may appear to normalize fraud.”
The union said comments that present suspected offenders as heroes, or that discourage people from cooperating with investigations, cross a line. It reminded artistes that “Musicians must understand that their words carry weight.”
MUSIGA also made it clear that frustration with the system is not an excuse. “However, criticism of injustice must never become a justification for crime,” the statement read.
A Warning on Influence
The union asked musicians, especially those with large youth followings, to avoid content that could promote or defend internet fraud, money laundering, romance scams, identity theft or other cybercrimes.
It noted that concerts, interviews and social media posts are public platforms with real influence on young people. According to MUSIGA, such statements could also expose musicians or their fans to legal, reputational or professional consequences.
“Every musician must remember that fame does not place them above the law,” the union added.
Why Online Fraud Matters
MUSIGA explained that online fraud hurts victims, damages Ghana’s image abroad and threatens genuine digital businesses. It also puts young people at risk.
The union said it will not stay silent when the statements of its members threaten the credibility of the music profession or the safety of the youth.
Quick Facts
- Who issued the warning: Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA)
- Signed by: MUSIGA President Bessa Simons
- Trigger: Shatta Wale’s comments at ShattaFest 2026
- ShattaFest date and venue: October 17, 2026, Accra Sports Stadium
- Key message: “Fame does not place them above the law”
The Shatta Wale Comments That Started It All
ShattaFest 2026, held to mark Shatta Wale’s 42nd birthday, filled the Accra Sports Stadium on the night of October 17. But one moment from his time on stage quickly overshadowed the music.
While speaking to the crowd, the dancehall artiste recalled being questioned by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) over a yellow Lamborghini. He insisted that his music career pays for his luxury cars, saying he has been making music for more than 25 years and buys Rolls-Royces and Lamborghinis from it.
He then made the remarks that set social media on fire. According to GhanaWeb, he said: “I have a lot of friends who are involved in fraud, but I am not a snitch, so I will not snitch on anyone.” He was also quoted as saying, “The country is not good, so if you want to engage in fraud, go ahead and do it.”
Public Backlash
Critics quickly raised concerns about the influence the comments could have on young fans. Some members of the public went further, calling on the Ghana Police Service’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to invite the artiste to explain himself. There has been no confirmation that the police have summoned him or opened any investigation.
In the days after the concert, Shatta Wale also criticised what he described as selective justice, arguing that some ministers steal without being arrested while “fraud boys” are targeted.
Shatta Wale Offers a New Explanation
As the debate grew, Shatta Wale appeared to give a fresh explanation during a TikTok Live session. He suggested that when he spoke about friends involved in fraud, he was referring to people who had cheated or disappointed him.
“If I say I get my friends wey be fraud boys, you know how many of my friends fraud me?” he asked, according to reports.
The SM boss has stayed in the headlines all week. In another TikTok Live on October 23, he again criticised former IGP George Akuffo Dampare over his 2021 arrest, saying it had left a mark on his record. It is the latest in a busy run of public exchanges for the artiste, who recently also responded to veteran musician Slim Buster.
What MUSIGA Wants Musicians to Do Instead
Rather than only issuing a warning, MUSIGA urged artistes to use their platforms for good. The union encouraged musicians to support youth employment, digital skills training, financial literacy and entrepreneurship.
It also called on them to speak out against both corruption and fraud, so that their message to young people is balanced and responsible.
Final Word
MUSIGA’s statement marks one of the strongest responses yet to the ShattaFest controversy. While the union did not announce any sanctions, its message is clear: Ghana’s musicians can criticise the system, but they should not be seen to celebrate crime. All eyes are now on Shatta Wale, who continues to release new music, including his recent collaboration Sweet with Kweku Flick, and whether he will respond directly to the union.
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