Ghanaian dancehall artiste Shatta Wale has revealed that his determination to succeed in the music industry was largely driven by a desire to earn the respect and recognition of his father.
Speaking on The Honest Bunch podcast, the award-winning musician recounted the personal challenges he faced growing up, describing a difficult family environment after his parents separated.
According to Shatta Wale, his mother left his father, who later remarried, forcing him to navigate life under circumstances that strengthened his resolve to pursue a career in music.
He disclosed that his mother sought support from relatives to help advance his music ambitions, but those efforts yielded little because the family did not believe in his dream.
“My family didn’t support my music,” he said.
Despite the lack of encouragement, Shatta Wale said he remained committed to his career and continued working towards success.
The dancehall star revealed that his relationship with his father began to improve only after he achieved financial success and started acquiring properties.
According to him, his father’s attitude towards him changed significantly once he had established himself as one of Ghana’s leading musicians.
“When I started buying properties, my father started talking to me like a real man,” he said.
Shatta Wale explained that his journey was never solely about fame or wealth but about proving to his father that he could succeed against the odds.
“Everything I’m doing… is for my dad. I wanted him to have hope in me that I could do it,” he stated.
The musician’s comments offer a personal insight into the motivation behind his career, highlighting how a desire for family recognition became a driving force in his rise to prominence in Ghana’s music industry.
