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Gary Al-Smith Weighs In On Shatta Wale’s Influence After EOCO Detention

J.K Oppong
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Gary Al-Smith Weighs In On Shatta Wale’s Influence After EOCO Detention

Ghanaian sports journalist, Gary Al-Smith, has weighed in on the detention of dancehall artiste Shatta Wale by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), reflecting on his enduring impact and the unfulfilled potential of the Shatta Movement.

In a social media post, Al-Smith recalled how, between 2014 and 2018, Wale’s dominance in the music industry sparked the creation of “Corporate SM” WhatsApp groups, private spaces where professionals who admired him but avoided public association with his controversies could connect.

“Between 2014 and ~2018, when Shatta Wale was at his musical peak, there were multiple WhatsApp groups called ‘Corporate SM’ made up of professionals who could/did not want to publicly ID with SM, for various reasons,” Al-Smith wrote. “The credentials of these people were impressive. Big boys and girls.”

READ ALSO: Shatta Wale Addresses Fans After EOCO Release, Expresses Gratitude To Supporters And EOCO Boss

According to him, members of these groups sought to professionalise the brand. A High Court judge drafted a legal playbook for SM, while a senior communications executive developed a roadmap for intellectual property and branding. The goal, Al-Smith explained, was to elevate Wale’s obvious potential into a sustainable global brand.

Despite these efforts, he noted, the initiative eventually dissolved. “You know what they say about horses, riversides, & water,” Al-Smith remarked.

Still, Shatta Wale’s influence is undeniable. The outpouring of support following his latest legal troubles, Al-Smith argued, underscores his unmatched ability to mobilize fans: “The potential that man called Shatta has to energise his fanbase to do great things is unmatched by any artiste in Ghana, dead or alive.”

He ended his reflection with a sobering observation, that Wale’s charisma could have built an unstoppable movement if only it had been paired with the right structures. “If only his successive management teams allowed his charisma to dovetail into proper, modern structures, the Shatta Movement will be unstoppable,” Al-Smith said.

“Wishing you well, Shatta Wale,” he concluded.

Mr Eazi Releases New Single And Video “Casanova”

J.K Oppong
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Mr Eazi Releases New Single And Video “Casanova”

Grammy-winning afropop star Mr Eazi returns today with “Casanova,” the new single from his forthcoming Maison Rouge EP, set for release this September via emPawa Africa.

“Casanova,” which was produced by Ghana’s TMXO and Nigerian superproducer Kel-P, is a playful yet emotionally revealing track about love, temptation, and self-awareness. Inspired by real conversations and moments of vulnerability, the song explores the tension between loyalty and attraction, honesty and misunderstanding. It’s a confession, both cheeky and sincere, about being drawn to women but wanting to hold onto the one he truly loves.

“Casanova is me being honest in the most unfiltered way,” Mr Eazi says. “I’m saying, ‘Yes, I love women, but my heart is with you.’ It’s about the reality of relationships and how we navigate our flaws, temptations, and the little things that can make or break love.”

The track is supported by an artful music video shot in Spain by director Ademola Falomo (Tems, Davido, Joeboy). Packing a movie’s worth of plot and intrigue into its 2 ½ minute run time, the “Casanova” visual follows the travails of a cab driver who finds himself in the crosshairs of a jealous wife after she catches him with another woman without knowing the full details behind their rendezvous. Blending humor, flirtation, and a hint of suspense with colorful urban backdrops, intimate close-ups, and a lighthearted storyline, the visuals bring the song’s cheeky and romantic spirit to life.

“‘Casanova is a playful record but it’s also about that moment when someone catches you off guard” says Mr Eazi, who previously tapped Falomo to direct his “Patek” (2022) and “E Be Mad” (2021) videos. “I wanted the video to feel like a little movie with twists, laughs, and energy. Barcelona gave us the perfect mix of romance and chaos, and Demola captured that perfectly.”

“Casanova,” along with the rest of Eazi’s forthcoming Maison Rouge EP, was recorded in Cotonou, Benin, at the titular Hotel Maison Rouge, which became a creative oasis for Mr Eazi while working on his 2023 album slash art project, The Evil Genius.

“Casanova” follows the July release of “Corny,” a mellow, emotionally honest love song which showcases Mr Eazi’s signature blend of vulnerability and melody, and “Attention,” Eazi’s contribution to this summer’s blockbuster F1 movie soundtrack.

“Casanova” is OUT NOW on all DSPs.

WATCH THE “CASANOVA” VIDEO HERE

ABOUT MR EAZI
MR EAZI is a musical innovator, business leader and philanthropist. As a recording artist, the Nigerian multihyphenate is the voice behind afropop hits “Pour Me Water,” “Skin Tight” and “Leg Over,” as well as groundbreaking collaborations with the likes of Beyoncé and J Balvin, and the creator of Banku Music, a fusion of Ghanaian and Nigerian sounds and culture. A serial entrepreneur, he founded emPawa Africa in 2018 as a talent incubator program designed to accelerate the careers of African artists. Hailed by CNN, Rolling Stone, Billboard and Forbes for its innovative approach to expanding African music’s global reach, emPawa Africa has since grown into one of Africa’s largest independent music companies. Mr Eazi has clocked over 4 billion streams of his songs across DSPs, making him one of the most streamed African artists worldwide.  Instagram // Twitter // TikTok // Spotify 

Medikal reacts for the first time following Shatta Wale’s release

Kwabena Ansah
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Medikal reacts for the first time following Shatta Wale’s release

Medikal has came under severe criticims as fans questioned his absence while his close friend and collaborator, Shatta Wale, faced detention by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

On Thursday, August 21, 2025, chaos erupted at EOCO’s Accra headquarters after news broke that Shatta Wale had been detained the night before. Hundreds of loyal supporters thronged the premises, demanding his release.

The dancehall superstar was being investigated for alleged money laundering and tax evasion.

Before his detention, EOCO confiscated his 2019 Lamborghini Urus, which has since been linked to an FBI case.

Reports indicate that both Shatta Wale and a former officer of the National Signals Bureau are persons of interest in the ongoing probe.

Several of Shatta Wale’s close associates were spotted at EOCO on Thursday, including his manager Sammy Flex, industry executive Leslie Quaynor, Rufftown Records boss Bullet, and SM Empire member Captan.

They were actively working to ensure the musician met his bail conditions.

However, Medikal who’s widely regarded as Shatta Wale’s “partner in crime” in the entertainment space was noticeably absent.

The rapper, who many expected to be physically present to support his friend, only surfaced online later in the evening.

At around 6:13 p.m., roughly the same time Shatta Wale was released, Medikal shared a post on social media.

This has left fans speculating about his silence and absence.

While some suggested he may have been working behind the scenes to assist, others criticised him for not standing publicly with Shatta Wale during such a turbulent period.

Bisa KDei Denies Sampling Claims, Says He Played Guitar Himself on Brother Brother

Kwabena Ansah
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Bisa KDei Denies Sampling Claims, Says He Played Guitar Himself on Brother Brother

Ghanaian highlife musician Bisa KDei has dismissed claims by ethnomusicologist Professor John Collins that his 2015 hit song Brother Brother was built on a sampled guitar loop.

Prof Collins, a respected scholar of African popular music and a key figure in documenting Ghana’s highlife tradition, suggested in a recent interview that the popular track may have borrowed its guitar pattern from an old record.

“What Bisa KDei did in Brother Brother was that he picked the typical guitar band sample. I don’t even know which band he got this from, but it was very distinctive. He didn’t get a guitarist to play it. He just looped it and used it occasionally,” Prof Collins claimed.

Responding to the assertion, Bisa KDei strongly refuted the allegation, insisting that he never samples in his music and played the guitar parts himself.

“The fact that I got it so perfect doesn’t mean I copied it. I never sample. None of my songs is sampled because I understand originality very well.

I also produce and play the guitar. The guitars in Mansa and Brother Brother I played myself, and I understand highlife, so I play according to flow. Someone should tell the professor to do proper research next time. lol,” the highlife star wrote on his Instagram story.

Shatta Wale Addresses Fans After EOCO Release, Expresses Gratitude To Supporters And EOCO Boss

J.K Oppong
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Shatta Wale Addresses Fans After EOCO Release, Expresses Gratitude To Supporters And EOCO Boss

Ghanaian dancehall artiste, Shatta Wale, has finally broken his silence after walking out of EOCO custody on bail, expressing gratitude to both his loyal fans and the authorities who handled his case.

Not long after he was released, the ‘Freedom’ composer went live on TikTok to confirm his detainment and recounted aspects of his experience. In his remarks, he praised his supporters for standing by him, saying their solidarity meant everything at a difficult time.

READ ALSO: Shatta Wale Released As EOCO Adjusts Bail Terms In Car Probe

Shatta Wale also extended appreciation to EOCO’s Executive Director, Raymond Archer, for the manner in which the case was handled, describing his gesture as considerate.

His PR manager, Sammy Flex, earlier explained that the original bail condition of GH¢10 million had been reduced to GH¢5 million, with two sureties to be justified. As part of the revised terms, the musician is also required to report to EOCO three times weekly while investigations continue.

Watch his remarks below.

Shatta Wale Released As EOCO Adjusts Bail Terms In Car Probe

J.K Oppong
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Shatta Wale Released As EOCO Adjusts Bail Terms In Car Probe

Dancehall artiste, Charles Nii Armah Mensah, better known as Shatta Wale, has walked free from the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) after spending some hours behind bars. His release followed a revision of the initial bail terms that had kept him in detention.

The development brings temporary relief in a case that has placed the musician at the center of an international probe into luxury car purchases tied to criminal proceeds.

Shatta Wale’s manager, Samuel Atuobi Baah, popularly known as Sammy Flex, confirmed the release to JoyNews. He explained that EOCO lowered the original bail requirement of GH¢10 million to GH¢5 million, with two sureties to be justified. In addition, the artiste must now report to EOCO three times a week while the inquiry continues.

READ ALSO: Security Consultant Says 48-Hour Rule May Not Guarantee Shatta Wale’s Release From EOCO Custody

Authorities first invited Shatta Wale for questioning over his acquisition of a 2019 Lamborghini Urus. Investigators believe the vehicle is linked to a US$4 million financial scam masterminded by Ghanaian national Nana Kwabena Amuah, who is currently serving time in a U.S. prison. The car was seized in a joint EOCO operation with the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice.

In a statement, EOCO noted that Shatta Wale was interrogated for nearly four hours but could not identify the seller of the car. The musician reportedly told officers that he had bought it from “the street.” EOCO also revealed that he failed to produce ownership documents beyond a customs declaration form, which bore Amuah’s name.

The high-profile case has generated intense public attention, with supporters of the “Shatta Movement” gathering outside EOCO’s offices during his detention, chanting in solidarity as they awaited news of his fate.

Security Consultant Says 48-Hour Rule May Not Guarantee Shatta Wale’s Release From EOCO Custody

J.K Oppong
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Security Consultant Says 48-Hour Rule May Not Guarantee Shatta Wale’s Release From EOCO Custody

Security and fraud expert, Richard Kumadoe, has suggested that the constitutional 48-hour rule may not necessarily shield dancehall star Shatta Wale from extended detention as investigations by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) unfold.

Kumadoe explained that EOCO is legally empowered to seek extra time from the courts if investigators believe the musician has more questions to answer. He noted that although charges are generally bailable, bail conditions can still prolong detention. For instance, he said the artiste could remain in custody if EOCO convinces the court of the need for further questioning, or if bail is granted but the conditions are not immediately met.

Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, under Article 14(3), guarantees that a person must be brought before a court within 48 hours of arrest unless released, a safeguard designed to protect individual freedoms and prevent arbitrary detention. But Kumadoe emphasized that this protection is not absolute; detention may lawfully extend if a court is satisfied that investigators have reasonable grounds.

READ ALSO: VIDEO: “Shatta Wale’s Arrest Is More Of A Witch Hunt” – Bullet Alleges

The consultant further warned that the probe may not be limited to the luxury car at the center of the controversy. While speaking on Yen Nsempa on Onua FM, he cautioned that investigators often pursue multiple leads, and what appears to be a single-issue case could widen significantly.

Kumadoe also advised Shatta Wale to handle the situation carefully, urging him to avoid rash social media commentary or confrontational behavior. He outlined three key rules for anyone under investigation: never attempt to dictate to investigators, avoid unusual or aggressive conduct, and remain silent to avoid self-incrimination.

Watch his statement below.

Shatta Wale’s baby mama Maali storms EOCO

Kwabena Ansah
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Shatta Wale’s baby mama Maali storms EOCO

Shatta Wale’s baby mama, Maali, has visited the Economic and Organised Crime (EOCO) head office in Accra to stand in solidarity with her partner

In a trending video, Maali arrived at EOCO’s head office in a white Lexus LX.

She drew the attention of bloggers and supporters who had gathered outside the EOCO compound.

As her vehicle pulled up, a large number of fans rushed to surround the car, chanting her name and cheering in solidarity with the detained dancehall artiste.

https://twitter.com/SIKAOFFICIAL1/status/1958498788819251649

VIDEO: “Shatta Wale’s Arrest Is More Of A Witch Hunt” – Bullet Alleges

Chris Osei
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VIDEO: “Shatta Wale’s Arrest Is More Of A Witch Hunt” – Bullet Alleges

Ghanaian musician and artiste manager Ricky Nana Agyemang, widely known as Bullet, has come out to show is support for his colleague Charles Nii Armah Mensah, popularly called Shatta Wale, following his detention by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

Speaking in an interview with 3news at the EOCO headquarters in Accra, Bullet described the arrest as a clear witch-hunt.

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“We Never Said Shatta Is Guilty” – Multimedia’s Kwame Dadzie Responds To Sammy Flex Over EOCO Report On Shatta Wale

Chris Osei
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“We Never Said Shatta Is Guilty” – Multimedia’s Kwame Dadzie Responds To Sammy Flex Over EOCO Report On Shatta Wale

The ongoing discussions around Shatta Wale’s recent detention by the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) continues as journalist Kwame Dadzie of the Multimedia Group addressed some concerns raised by Shatta Wale’s publicist, Sammy Flex.

Speaking on the Daybreak Hitz Entertainment Review Show on Hitz FM, Kwame Dadzie clarified that reports published on myjoyonline.com about Shatta Wale being investigated for alleged money laundering and other related offenses were not falsehoods as suggested by Sammy Flex.

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