Renowned Dancehall/Reggae artiste Stonebwoy has denounced accusations that he was behind the cancellation of a concert by Shatta Wale which was scheduled for June 8, 2024.
The concert, which was supposed to be held at the TF Hostel at the University of Ghana (UG), was cancelled by the university authorities who cited a lack of information from the organizers.
However, Shatta Wale’s camp accused Stonebwoy of influencing the cancellation so it would not coincide with his concert, which took place at the University of Ghana on the same day.
Speaking in an interview on Asaase Radio on June 12, 2024, Stonebwoy denied such accusations, describing them as ridiculous.
He affirmed that he has no power to influence such decisions and said he was shocked that anyone could make such accusations against him.
“That was really ridiculous to have heard because it's just like waking up in the morning and being accused strongly of having extra powers.
“Even if I had such power, I can't abuse it like that, you know. I have absolutely nothing at all to do with it. So I'm surprised where the accusations are coming from,” he said.
He stated that he had no idea about the events that occurred involving Shatta Wale and had only gone to perform at his own show.
He further expressed his pleasure that the Dean of Students at the University of Ghana, Prof. Rosina Kyerematen, had come out to clear the air on the matter.
“I only went to perform at my event and that's all I can remember. I'm not an event organizer. And I think the dean respectfully came out and we all are seeing that. We just have to amplify that some more,” he said.
Stonebwoy also said he was disappointed with people who joined in on the accusations and are refusing to offer apologies for their verbal attacks on him.
“And even after the Dean and others have come to speak on the truth of the matter, you find that those who disbelieved and cursed me are refusing to offer apologies,” he added.
Stonebwoy, however, said he was not surprised that Shatta Wale would make such claims about him, saying, “I believe it's normal for a brother like him to always find a way to make me appear exceedingly powerful.”
What happened
On June 8, 2024, a scheduled concert featuring Shatta Wale at James Topp Nelson Yankah Hall (TF Hostel) was cancelled, leading to a social media uproar. Despite Shatta Wale's anticipation and promotion for his performance, the university's Dean of Students' office said it had not approved the event.
Shatta Wale, however, accused rival Stonebwoy of influencing the cancellation to prevent them from performing at the same venue. The event's organizers, Wave Africa, confirmed that they had been instructed not to allow Shatta Wale's performance by an order from above, despite having resolved earlier issues with the Dean's office.
Stonebwoy's event at Limann Hall, however, proceeded without issue, marking a successful night.
What UG has said
The University of Ghana clarified that there are no issues with Shatta Wale and that his concert's cancellation at the TF Hostel was not due to any external influence.
"The University has no issues with Shatta Wale. The University is not involved with Shatta Wale. Normally, what happens is that if any event is going to be organized in any hall, a request for approval is sent to my office (Dean's Office) with an outline of the program they intend to organize.
"What they (the organizers) said they were going to do on Saturday was Karaoke Night, and so we approved. As far as I am concerned, there is a big difference between a Karaoke Night and an Artiste Night," Dean of Students at the University of Ghana, Prof. Rosina Kyeremanten said.
ID/BB
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Stonebwoy on the #995ABS
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Cancellation of the Shatta Wale ‘Reunion Rave’ in Legon: I had nothing at all to do with it.
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Dancehall musician and TGMA Artiste of the Year#AsaaseABS | #AsaaseRadio pic.twitter.com/Hq8m2NvqSa
