Shatta Wale facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Shatta Wale
Background information
Birth name	Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr.
Also known as	Bandana
Born	(1984-10-17) 17 October 1984 (age 40) Accra, Ghana
Genres	Highlife hiplife reggae dancehall Afrobeats
Occupation(s)	Singer songwriter record producer actor sound engineer
Instruments	Vocals keyboard
Years active	2004–present
Labels	Shatta Movement Records Zylofon Music
Associated acts	Beyoncé Davido D-Black Burna Boy Mona 4Reall MzVee Tinny Fuse ODG Alkaline Sarkodie Gappy Ranks Amerado Sista Afia Aidonia Shenseea Mr Eazi Dammy Krane

Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr., born on October 17, 1984, is a talented Ghanaian reggae-dancehall artist. He is widely known by his stage name Shatta Wale, and was previously called Bandana. Shatta Wale began his music journey after high school, releasing a popular song called "Bandana from Ghana" in 2004. This song quickly became a big hit in the Ghanaian music scene.

Shatta Wale became even more famous in 2013 during the VGMA awards. He expressed his feelings about not winning the Dancehall Artist of the Year award. His song "Dancehall King" became a huge success in 2013. Shatta Wale earns most of his money from performing at shows, which attract thousands of young people in Ghana.

In 2015, Shatta Wale chose not to be nominated for the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards. This was despite having many hit songs like "Dancehall Commando" with Sarkodie, "Party all night long" with Jah Vinci, "Wine Ya Waist" with Davido, and "Korle Gonno". His hard work in 2014 led to him being nominated for the prestigious GN Bank Awards as the People’s Choice Male Musician of the Year.

Some of his most famous songs include "Dancehall King," "My Level," and "Taking Over." He also worked with Beyoncé and Major Lazer on the song "Already" from Beyoncé's album The Lion King: The Gift. His song "Dancehall King" helped him win the Artiste of the Year award at the 2014 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards. Shatta Wale is also an actor, appearing in films like Never Say Never, The trial of Shatta Wale, and Shattered Lives. His 2004 song "Moko Hoo" was nominated for a Ghana Music Award.

In 2014, he was ranked among the "Top 100 Most Influential Ghanaian" artists by E.tv. He has appeared on this list every year since. In 2017, he was named the "Most Influential Musician" on social media. He set a record by winning 11 awards at the 2019 3 Music Awards ceremony.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr. was born in Accra, Ghana, at the Police Hospital on October 17, 1984. His parents are Charles Nii Armah Mensah Snr and Elsie Evelyn Avemegah. His father is involved in politics and business.

Shatta Wale went to Seven Great Princes Academy in Dansoman, a part of Accra. There, he showed a strong interest in arts and acted in a popular drama series called By the Fireside at the National Theatre of Ghana. He then continued his education at Winneba Secondary School. When he first started his music career, Shatta Wale was known as Doggy.

Recent Music and Performances

In 2019, Shatta Wale worked with Beyoncé on the song "Already." This song was part of her album The Lion King: The Gift, which was nominated for a Grammy Award.

In 2021, he received two nominations and won the 'Best Virtual Entertainer of the Year' Award. This award was given at the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA).

Shatta Wale released a new song called "Balloon" in January 2024, along with a music video. He also performed at Vybz Kartel's Freedom Street concert in Jamaica. On April 10, 2025, Shatta Wale hosted Nigerian TikTok influencer Peller at his home in Ghana. Their videos and promotional appearances, especially for his ride-hailing company Shaxi, became very popular online.

Live Shows and Concerts

Shatta Wale was the first Ghanaian artist to hold a digital concert on YouTube. This concert was called the Faith Concert. He organized it to bring hope to people in Ghana and around the world during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ministry of Communications in Ghana chose him and Highlife musician Kuami Eugene as the main performers. They headlined the virtual launch concert for the COVID-19 app on April 13, 2020. On October 17, 2020, he celebrated his 36th birthday with a big party. Family and friends attended the celebration at his East Legon home.

On December 31, 2024, Vybz Kartel invited Shatta Wale to perform at his Freedom Street Concert in Jamaica. This invitation showed the strong support Vybz Kartel had for Shatta Wale over the years. The concert featured many international artists like Busta Rhymes, Chronic Law, Shawn Storm, Masicka, Bounty Killer, Jah Vinci, Rvssian, Spice, and Popcaan.

Awards and Special Recognition

The Mayor of Worcester, Joseph Petty, gave Shatta Wale the Key to the City on July 8, 2017. This is a special honor given to important people.

On March 18, 2018, Shatta Wale received an award for his contributions to reggae music in Ghana. This was at the 37th Annual Chicago Music Awards (CMA). It was also part of the 36th International Reggae & World Music Awards (IRAWMA).

On April 24, 2025, Shatta Wale was recognized again at the University of Ghana's Brands and Marketing Masterclass. His brand and marketing skills were studied there as an example.

Brand Partnerships

In 2014, Shatta Wale became a brand ambassador for Guinness Ghana Breweries. He also became a brand ambassador for Rush Energy Drink.

In September 2017, Kasapreko Company Limited, a company that makes drinks in Ghana, announced Shatta Wale as their new brand ambassador for Storm Energy Drink. On July 19, 2023, Shatta Wale and Kasapreko Company Limited renewed their agreement. This means Shatta Wale continues to be the face of Storm Energy Drink.

On November 17, 2017, Shatta Wale signed a deal with Boss Baker Beef Roll to be their brand ambassador. Infinix Ghana, a smartphone company, also announced Shatta Wale as their Brand Ambassador on September 11, 2019.

Community Work

On June 12, 2024, Shatta Wale supported the "Buzstop Boys" in a community clean-up event in Alajo, Accra. He also donated money through his foundation to help their environmental efforts.

Accra Invasion Project

On September 16, 2024, Shatta Wale announced a project to find new music talents in Accra, the capital of Ghana. This project, called the “Accra Invasion Project” (AIP), aims to help young artists achieve their dreams. So far, he has discovered nine young talents. These include Papillon Blood, Shattonzy, Zicoranking, JoeQuaye, Blakid, Boy Cray, Kinjunia, Dosted Gennah, and Sanaa, who is the only female artist among them.

The “ACCRA INVASION PROJECT” (AIP) is supported by regular people, not by the government or big organizations. This project is funded by Shatta Wale himself. It aims to inspire and help young people in Ghana. It also creates jobs in the arts industry, which is often overlooked in Ghana. Shatta Wale encourages young Ghanaians to work together and rely on themselves. He believes that a big difference can be made without a lot of money at first. He plans to continue his talent search in all 10 regions of Ghana, with the Volta Region being next.

Personal Life

Shatta Wale has a son named Majesty with Ghanaian socialite Michelle Diamonds. He also has a baby girl with his girlfriend, Maali. They made their relationship public in 2023. This is Shatta Wale's fourth child, but his first with Maali.

Music Albums

• Green times Mixtape (2014)
• Answers (The Hybrid) (2014)
• After the Storm (2016)
• Cloud 9 (2017, hip hop mixtape)
• Reign (2018)
• Wonder Boy (2019)
• Manacles Of A Shatta (2020)
• Maali (2023)
• Konekt (2024)
• Shatta and Fans Album (2024)

Music Singles

Music Videos

Film Appearances

Awards and Nominations

In 2014, Shatta Wale was nominated for the first GN Bank Awards as the People's Choice Male Musician of the Year.