Shatta Wale Crowned ‘King of Dancehall’ After Historic Jamaica Performance
Ghanaian dancehall star Shatta Wale received a hero’s welcome upon his return from performing at the Freedom Concert in Jamaica. A video shared on January 8, 2025, shows fans and traditional rulers gathering at Kotoka International Airport to honour the artiste with a symbolic coronation.
Shatta Wale, initially dressed in an all-black outfit, was greeted by traditional leaders who helped him don a white cloth adorned with colourful Adinkra symbols, including the revered ‘Gye Nyame,’ signifying the supremacy of God. As part of the ceremony, he was draped with ‘Klala,’ a Ga herb reserved for royals, and presented with a chief’s crown amidst cheers of “Nii Mantse” (King of the Land).
This grand gesture follows Shatta Wale’s groundbreaking performance at Vybz Kartel’s Freedom Concert in Kingston, Jamaica, on December 31, 2024. The event marked Vybz Kartel’s first live appearance in over 14 years, and during the concert, Kartel hailed Shatta Wale as the “King of Dancehall in Africa.”
The Freedom Concert was not only a milestone for Shatta Wale but also a moment of cultural connection between Africa and Jamaica through music. His reception back home reinforces his status as one of Ghana’s most celebrated artistes.