I’m ready to nurture next Shatta for GH–Shatta Wale
GHANAIAN Dancehall heavyweight Shatta Wale has said he is ready to play a direct role in shaping the next generation of music stars, insisting his legacy should go beyond hit songs to building future ‘street kings’ who can take Ghanaian music even further.
Shatta Wale wants to see a young artiste rise from the streets and surpass what he has achieved in the industry.
Speaking on the sidelines at the recent launch of the Student Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) @ 20 Song Competition in Accra, the Kakai hitmaker said he is committed to mentoring and supporting such talent when it emerges.
SLTF @ 20 Song Competition, being organised in conjunction with Hotwav GH, forms part of the activities marking the 20 years anniversary celebration of the Student Loan Trust Fund.
“I am ready to nurture the next Shatta Wale. If there is another street king coming, I want to be part of that journey. I want to see someone even greater than me,” he said.
Shatta Wale, who is closely involved with SLTF @ 20 Song Competition in Accra, said it was more than just a music contest, describing it as a life-changing opportunity for young creatives.
“This is not just about music. It is about building lives, building dreams and building the next big name. If you are a singer, a rapper or any talent, just bring your energy. We are going to pick a winner who will stand with me on stage,” he said.
He added that the winner of the competition stands to benefit from prizes including $20,000, mentorship opportunities, and a recording deal with Foxway, a record label in Ghana. The winner will also have the chance to perform live with him at the anniversary celebration.
“I want to see raw talent. I want to see energy. I want someone who is ready to work hard and take this industry further. If you win, you are not just winning money, you are winning a future,” he added.
Shatta Wale believes this partnership is part of a bigger mission to reshape the future of Ghana’s music industry by investing in young talent early.
“If I can help one person become better than me, then I have done my job. That is the future I want to see,” he said.
The initiative comes as SLTF marks 20 years of supporting tertiary education in Ghana. The anniversary was used to launch a song competition aimed at discovering young musical talent while raising awareness of student financing opportunities.
SLTF @ 20 Song Competition, which is fully sponsored by Hot Wav, is designed to give young artistes a platform to showcase their talent while gaining mentorship and exposure in the creative industry.
Chief Executive Officer of Hot Wav, Philip Nana Kwame Brobbey, said the competition was designed to bridge the gap between education and the creative industry. He explained that it would offer mentorship and exposure to help young people transition into professional careers.
The SLTF @ 20 Song Competition is expected to run alongside other anniversary activities, with organisers promising a blend of education, entertainment and opportunity for Ghana’s youth.
For her part, SLTF Chief Executive Officer Dr Saajida Shiraz explained that the fund was focused on strengthening support systems to make education more accessible and efficient. She noted that digitalisation of loan processes and expanded financial interventions were part of the new direction.
According to her, SLTF has, over the years, supported thousands of students and continues to play a key role in bridging financial gaps in education.
