Veteran music producer and industry stalwart Fred Kyei Mensah has weighed in on the recent controversy involving dancehall artiste Shatta Wale and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), calling for understanding, cooperation, and a focus on unity within the creative space.
In a heartfelt social media post titled “Staying Connected to the Shatta Wale Brand”, Mensah described his evolving perception of the musician, stressing that while Shatta Wale has often provoked heated public conversations, he should not be reduced to his controversies.
“If you poke the eyes of the cadaver, you shall find maggots. The supposed deviants in a community would be remembered at least for something good they did while alive,” he wrote, adding that his role as a father figure in the industry compels him to mend fences rather than harbor grudges.
According to Mensah, his respect for Shatta Wale grew nearly a decade ago during the GN Bank Awards, where the artiste won Overall Artiste of the Year and was rewarded with a car. That admiration, he said, deepened after a candid interview on GTV last year.
“My perception about Shatta Wale changed about 8 years ago when I was part of Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom’s GN Bank awards scheme… The love for him further escalated when he was interviewed by Kafui Dey last year on GTV. He spoke wisdom!” Mensah recalled.
He particularly endorsed Wale’s call to end “media wars” in the industry. “One message he sent across was that we should stop the media war (beef) and make money together. Very potent, concise and precise message which I endorse with my 40 years’ experience in the creative industry,” Mensah noted.
Turning to Shatta Wale’s current legal woes, Mensah urged the artiste to cooperate with EOCO as investigations proceed. “Concerning his invitation and incarceration by EOCO and the bail granted him, I wish that he cooperates with them on their investigations. There is no case that is beyond any human comprehension. The ultimate is death,” he advised.
He also praised Shatta Movement fans for showing restraint. “Thanks to the numerous SM fans who showed solidarity, love and care and didn’t take the law into their hands today and those that helped with his bail conditions,” Mensah wrote.
Concluding on a supportive note, Mensah encouraged Wale to remain measured in his responses to provocation: “Go Shatta and shatter all the whales in Wales on your music journey. A lot of the street guys depend on you, however, be measured when you are provoked.
Let the music play on while we solve issues. Good beads don’t rattle.”
