Stonebwoy says hug with Shatta Wale doesn’t end their beef
Award-winning Ghanaian musician Stonebwoy has addressed the widely publicised moment in which he embraced his long-time industry rival, Shatta Wale, during a fundraising event for the Black Stars’ 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
The incident occurred on Friday, 20 March 2026, when both artistes were present at the event.
Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, unexpectedly called on them to share a public embrace, with media personality Berla Mundi facilitating the moment on stage. She announced:
“Mr President has requested that Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale hug on stage at this moment. This is a directive from him, so you can look to him; I am not the one making the request.”
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President Mahama, seated alongside Sports Minister Kofi Adams and Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku, watched as the two artists complied.
They briefly embraced and exchanged pats on the back, earning applause from the audience.
However, speaking in a later interview on Angel FM, Stonebwoy clarified that the hug should not be interpreted as a reconciliation.
He emphasised that he remains uncomfortable with what he describes as a pattern of disrespect and personal attacks, which he believes cannot be justified as promotional tactics.
“Disrespecting and attacking others in the name of marketing is unacceptable. There are many ways to promote oneself without dragging others into it,” Stonebwoy stated.
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He further revealed that certain remarks allegedly directed at his family had deepened the rift, insisting that a public display of unity does not resolve underlying issues.
“You cannot insult my wife and my mother and expect that a simple hug will erase everything,” he said.
Reflecting on his personal values, Stonebwoy added that ignoring such grievances would go against principles instilled by his late mother.
“If I suddenly begin to act friendly with Shatta Wale, my late mother would be deeply disappointed in me,” he remarked.
Edem Kwame
Edem Kwame is a staff journalist at GH News Media, where he covers sports, politics, and current affairs with a sharp focus on Ghanaian and African football. Known for his in-depth match analysis and timely reporting on the Black Stars, Edem brings a fan's passion and a reporter's rigor to every story he covers. His work spans breaking news, player features, and tournament coverage, including Ghana's campaigns on the continental and global stage. When he's not chasing the latest football headlines, Edem follows broader developments across Ghanaian society, bringing readers clear, well-researched journalism they can trust.
