Shatta Movement leader and multiple award-winning Artiste, Shatta Wale has stated that he helped change the way Ghanaian musicians value their work by insisting on higher performance fees at a time when many artistes accepted much less.
Officially known as Charles Nii Armah Mensah, Shatta Wale said he began requesting Ghc70,000 for performances when, according to him, the highest fee many artistes in Ghana were receiving was around Ghc10,000.
“I refused to perform cheaply because music is my job,” he said on the Honest Bunch podcast.
He explained that his decision was influenced by his experiences growing up and observing how international artistes were valued.
He recalled that during his early years as Bandana, he often travelled to performances in taxis despite being popular, because musicians were not being adequately paid.
According to him, some industry figures criticised him for demanding more money, but promoters eventually accepted his rates.
He argued that although many people may not acknowledge it publicly, Ghanaian artists are benefiting today because performers have become more comfortable negotiating better fees.
“I believe people are benefiting from what I did,” he said.
