Sarkodie Opens Up About His Early Admiration for Shatta Wale

Ghana’s music industry was thrown into a wave of nostalgia and excitement on September 1, 2025, after rap icon Michael Owusu Addo, popularly known as Sarkodie, revealed his early admiration for dancehall heavyweight Shatta Wale.

During a live session on X (formerly Twitter), Sarkodie candidly reflected on his early years as a devoted fan of Shatta Wale back when the dancehall star was performing under the name Bandana. According to Sarkodie, his respect for Bandana’s artistry dates back to a time when dancehall had yet to dominate the Ghanaian music scene.

“I was the biggest Bandana fan before he became Shatta Wale. I used to talk about him even when dancehall was not popular in Ghana,” Sarkodie shared.

Bandana’s Energy and Freestyle Inspired Sarkodie

Sarkodie went on to explain that what drew him most to Bandana was his raw freestyle ability, a trait that greatly influenced Sarkodie’s own approach to rap.

“Bandana was the type that, when you told him to rhyme with anything, he would just go off instantly. As a rapper, that’s the kind of energy I admired from day one,” Sarkodie revealed.

The rapper credited this early admiration as part of the motivation that shaped his craft, acknowledging Shatta Wale’s stage presence and energy as unforgettable.

Music as a Tool for Unity

Beyond his praise, Sarkodie also used the moment to reflect on the unifying power of music. He expressed that the industry thrives more on collaboration than rivalry, hinting at the possibility of future projects between his team and Shatta Wale’s camp.

He also applauded Shatta Wale’s entrepreneurial spirit, particularly his Shaxi ride-hailing service, which is currently supporting Sarkodie’s upcoming Rapaholic concert in Kumasi. Sarkodie described this move as a testament to Wale’s vision and contribution beyond music.

Fans React to the Revelation

The revelation has since gone viral across social media platforms, sparking discussions among fans from both SarkNation and the Shatta Movement. Many expressed excitement over the evolving relationship between the two megastars, while others speculated on what a joint project could mean for Ghana’s music landscape.

For an industry often defined by rivalries, Sarkodie’s confession stands as a refreshing reminder that admiration and mutual respect can go a long way in strengthening Ghanaian music on the global stage.