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	(1987-10-17) 17 October 1987 (age 37) 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 17 October 1987, is a Ghanaian reggae-dancehall artist. He is famous by his stage name Shatta Wale. Before this, he was known as Bandana.

After high school, Shatta Wale changed his name to Bandana and released a popular song called "Bandana from Ghana" in 2004. This song became a huge hit in the Ghanaian music scene.

In 2013, his song "Dancehall King" became incredibly popular. Shatta Wale earns most of his money by holding concerts, which attract thousands of young Ghanaians.

In 2015, Shatta Wale decided not to be nominated for the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards. This was because of a disagreement with the organizers. Even so, his hard work in 2014 earned him a nomination for the People’s Choice Male Musician of the Year at the GN Bank Awards.

Some of his most famous songs are "Dancehall King", "My Level", and "Taking Over". He is also known for "Already" from Beyoncé's album The Lion King: The Gift, which also featured Major Lazer. 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. He has appeared in films like Never Say Never, The trial of Shatta Wale, and Shattered Lives. In 2004, his song "Moko Hoo" was nominated for a Ghana Music Award.

In 2014, he was ranked 38th on E.tv's "Top 100 Most Influential Ghanaian" list. He has been 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 as a dancehall artist.

Early Life and Music Journey

Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr. was born in Accra, Ghana on 17 October 1987. His parents are Charles Nii Armah Mensah Snr and Elsie Evelyn Avemegah. His father is a politician, businessman, and lawyer.

Shatta Wale went to Seven Great Princes Academy in Dansoman, Accra. There, he showed a strong interest in arts. He even acted in a popular drama series called By the Fireside at the National Theatre of Ghana. He then continued his studies at Winneba Secondary School.

He began his music career using the name Doggy, inspired by his favorite dancehall artist, Yoggy Doggy. Later, he changed his name to Bandana. This name brought him fame with a single hit song. After some time away from music, he returned with a new name, Shatta Wale, and released many successful songs.

Recent Achievements (2019–Present)

In 2019, Shatta Wale worked with Beyoncé on her album The Lion King: The Gift. Their song was called “Already”. This album was nominated for a Grammy Award.

In 2021, he won the 'Best Virtual Entertainer of the Year' Award at the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA).

Concerts and Public Appearances

Shatta Wale was the first Ghanaian artist to hold a digital concert on YouTube. It was called the Faith Concert. He organized it to give hope to Ghanaians and his fans worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ministry of Communications in Ghana chose him and Highlife musician Kuami Eugene to headline a virtual concert. This concert was held on April 13, 2020, to launch the COVID-19 app. On his 36th birthday, October 17, 2020, he hosted a big party at his home in East Legon for family and friends.

Awards and 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, Wale received an honor award. This was for his important contributions to reggae music in Ghana. He received it at the 37th Annual Chicago Music Awards (CMA). This event was held with the 36th International Reggae & World Music Awards (IRAWMA).

Brand Endorsements

In 2014, Shatta Wale became a brand ambassador for Guinness Ghana Breweries and Rush Energy Drink. This means he helped promote their products.

In September 2017, Kasapreko Company Limited announced 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 he will continue to be the face of Storm Energy Drink.

On November 17, 2017, Shatta Wale also 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 exercise. This took place in Alajo in Accra. Through his foundation, he donated money to help their environmental projects continue.

Accra Invasion Project

On September 16, 2024, Shatta Wale announced a search for new talents in Accra, the capital of Ghana. He wants to help young artists achieve their dreams. This project is called the “Accra Invasion Project” (AIP).

So far, he has found 9 young talents. These include Papillon Blood, Shattonzy, Zicoranking, JoeQuaye, Blakid, Boy Cray, Kinjunia, Dosted Gennah, and Sanaa, who is the only female among them.

The “ACCRA INVASION PROJECT” (AIP) is supported by local communities. It does not receive help from the government or rich people. This project aims to inspire and train young people in Ghana. It also creates jobs in the arts industry, which is often overlooked in Ghana. Shatta Wale encourages Ghanaian youth to work together and become self-reliant. He believes that big changes can happen without a lot of money if young people work together. 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. This is his fourth child and his first with Maali. They made their relationship public in 2023.

Music Releases

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)

Singles

Music Videos

Film Appearances

Awards and Nominations

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