A heated controversy has erupted between Ghanaian dancehall artist Shatta Wale and Despite Media, resulting in a blanket ban on his music across the media conglomerate’s platforms.
The fallout stems from Shatta Wale’s scathing verbal attack on Despite Media’s owner, Dr. Osei Kwame Despite, and other staff members, including Akwasi Aboagye, in October 2023. The incident began when Aboagye questioned the authenticity of Shatta Wale’s claim of receiving £80,000 for his performance at the Ghana Music Awards UK 2023.
In response to the artist’s insults, staff members of Despite Media have refused to air his music on their channels, including UTV, Peace FM, Neat FM, Okay FM, and Hello FM.
Abena Moet, co-host of Neat FM’s Entertainment Ghana, publicly reiterated the ban on Monday, September 30, 2024. When a listener requested Shatta Wale’s latest track, Moet firmly opposed playing it, citing the artist’s past insults towards Dr. Despite.
“He (Ola) is not the only one who can forgive; all of us have not forgiven him,” Moet stated. “So, I don’t know how he will play the song; maybe he will play it in his car after closing from here. No, you can’t insult the owner of the station and expect us to play your song here… He should build his own station and play it there.”
