The Streets Made Me”: Shatta Wale Opens Up About Life, Leadership, and Legacy


In a high-energy, no-holds-barred appearance on Prime Time, Ghanaian music icon Shatta Wale (born Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr.) peeled back the layers of his stardom, offering fans a deeply personal, often humorous, and sharply insightful look into the mind behind the music.

What unfolded was more than just an interview — it was a cultural moment.


“I Wanted to Be a Pilot, Lawyer… and President”

Shatta Wale’s path to stardom wasn’t preordained. As a child, he dreamt of flying planes, defending justice, and leading nations. “Pilot, lawyer, and president,” he recalled with a smile. “Even now, I feel like I’m doing a form of leadership.”

Despite the fame, Shatta never forgets where he came from. Growing up in a strict but deeply introspective household, education mattered — but so did self-awareness. His father, he says, taught him to understand who he was and what he was meant to do. “I didn’t just go to school. I got schooled at home.”


Hard Work Over Hype

No spiritual shortcuts. No magic. No swallowing the Quran. Just grind.

Shatta Wale was clear: “I didn't blow up because of superstition. I blew because I focused and worked hard.” Whether it was playing airport simulator games at home or building his ride-hailing company Shaxi, he’s always had an entrepreneur’s mind and a hustler’s discipline.

He’s even got a favorite Bible verse tattooed on him — Philippians 4:19: “My God shall supply all my needs.”


On Music, Meaning, and Misunderstanding

From the infectious chaos of “Dancehall King” to the introspective power of Street Crown, Shatta Wale’s music is more than entertainment — it’s therapy, protest, and documentation.

He knows people call him controversial. He embraces it.

“I don’t think I’m smart or intelligent. I’ve just figured out life,” he said. “The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. That’s what guides me.”

When asked about the deep meaning in his lyrics, he explained how Street Crown was born from listening to the people, observing street life, and fusing it with a touch of “Coldplay inspiration” — blending Ghanaian grit with global polish.


What He’d Tell the President

If given the chance to sit beside former President John Mahama on a flight, Shatta Wale knows exactly what he’d say:

  1. Fix youth unemployment.

  2. Invest in the creative arts.

  3. Focus on national leadership, not political division.

“I’ve created more jobs with Shaxi than some ministries. Why is nobody talking about that?”


On EOCO, Celebrity, and Law

After recent headlines involving the EOCO over a car seizure, Wale didn’t shy away. “I’m not above the law,” he said, “but treat us like people doing important work too. I bring in more money than some government sectors.”

The situation, he explained, could have been handled with a phone call — not drama. But he’s taken it as a lesson, doubling down on buying cars the right way and educating fans in the process.


Love, Loyalty, and Libra Season

Yes, he's married — “unofficially official,” as he described it. Shatta has quietly built a relationship with his partner Mali over five years, culminating in a traditional ceremony with her family. “She prays. She respects. She calls me ‘Daddy.’ That’s my peace.”

And about that age? “I’m 23,” he deadpanned. “Google doesn’t know my life.”


The Birthday Bash: All White, All Love

His birthday party at Independence Square on October 17th promises to be a celebration of his bond with fans — not just a concert, but a thank-you.

He’s planning giveaways — phones, laptops, possibly even a Shaxi car. “This is for the people,” he said. “Those who came to YOKO to support me. Those who struggle but still cheer me on.”

No VIP barriers. No overpriced tickets. Just Shatta and the streets.


Legacy Over Awards

When asked about a possible return to the Ghana Music Awards, Shatta was blunt: “I’ve outgrown chasing plaques.” He’s more interested in partnering with the scheme, not competing in it.

“I don’t need another trophy to validate what I’ve done. I want to build. I want to lead. If we’re honest, I’ve earned my crown.”


Why He Throws Money into Crowds

“It’s not to show off,” he explained. “It’s to show how hard money is to get — and how much people need it. When I see someone catch it, I feel like God used me to bless someone that day.”


The Final Word

From street kid to mogul. From Bandana to brand leader. From misunderstood troublemaker to unfiltered truth-teller.

Shatta Wale may not fit into Ghana’s polite pop star mold. He never wanted to.

But if impact is the measure, the man with no Grammy yet, no diplomatic passport, and no filter — has already done what many can't: he built his own kingdom.

And the people? They crowned him.

🎥 Watch the Full Interview Below:







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