2025 in Review: Some controversies that shook the entertainment industry

The year 2025 will be remembered as one of the most chaotic periods in the entertainment history of Ghana.

Away from hit songs and glamorous premieres, several public figures were caught in controversies involving court cases, family feuds and public outrage, keeping social media and traditional media buzzing for days and some even months.

1. Shatta Wale’s seized lamborghini and international fraud links

In August 2025, Shatta Wale’s year took a dramatic twist after the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) seized his 2019 Lamborghini Urus alleged to be linked to an international fraud investigation.

Reports indicated that US authorities linked the luxury vehicle to proceeds from a $14 million fraud case involving Nana Kwabena Amuah, a Ghanaian currently serving sentence in the United States.

The Dancehall artiste was arrested in August after stating he bought the car for $150,000 from an unnamed individual, whom he labelled as ‘street.’

He was later granted bail, initially set at GH¢10 million and later reduced to GH¢5 million. Online speculation grew as social media users linked him to other fraud-related arrests that dominated 2025.

Tensions escalated when Shatta Wale emotionally defended his associate Kofi Boat during a TikTok Live, accusing critics of judging without evidence. Although he denied any involvement in fraud, he cautioned individuals engaged in illegal activities against openly flaunting wealth.

Shatta Wale cannot identify seller of seized Lamborghini - EOCO drops fresh details

Read more here 👉🏽 https://t.co/vSUN9liMLV#ghanaweb#ghanawebtv pic.twitter.com/cRbDa7fKRW

— GhanaWeb (@TheGhanaWeb) August 21, 2025

2. King Paluta’s London show controversy

Highlife/Hiplife artiste King Paluta came under criticism after a viral video showed him verbally abusing a female fan during a concert in London.

The incident drew condemnation, with many demanding an apology. Instead, the musician responded with a track whom many speculated to be a ‘diss song’, worsening the backlash and reviving debates about professionalism and behaviour of Ghanaian artistes on international platforms.

King Paluta's performance at the just ended All white boat party in London took a dramatic turn when he rained insults on a guest who allegedly wasn't vibing with his performance, with claims that she wanted him to stop performing and leave. pic.twitter.com/NB8iOTh6H0

— SIKAOFFICIAL🦍 (@SIKAOFFICIAL1) June 29, 2025

3. Sammy Gyamfi vs Afia Schwarzenegger

One of the most talked-about legal battles of 2025 was the defamation suit filed by politician Sammy Gyamfi against social media commentator Afia Schwarzenegger.

While some praised the lawsuit as a necessary stand against irresponsible commentary online, others warned it could threaten free speech.

4. Nana Agradaa sentenced to prison

The sentencing of controversial evangelist Nana Agradaa sent shockwaves across the country. In July, an Accra Circuit Court handed her a 15-year prison sentence with hard labour for fraud and charlatanic advertising.

The conviction was linked to a money-doubling scheme promoted during a 2022 overnight church service, where worshippers were promised supernatural financial returns.

Investigations exposed a calculated operation involving deceptive advertising and intimidation, affecting hundreds of victims.

Nana Agradaa has been jailed for 15 years with hard labour for defrauding by false pretence

Read more: https://t.co/2yLh5BTW5d#ghanaweb#ghanawebtv pic.twitter.com/9V41FaXY4Q

— GhanaWeb (@TheGhanaWeb) July 3, 2025

5. Daddy Lumba’s death and widowhood legal battle

The passing of Highlife legend Daddy Lumba in July triggered a complex legal dispute between two women claiming to be his lawful widow.

Akosua Serwaa referenced a civil marriage under German law, while Priscilla Ofori Atta, widely known as Odo Broni, cited her long-term relationship with the musician and their six children.

In November, the Kumasi High Court ruled that both women qualified as surviving spouses under customary law.

Akosua Serwaa’s absence from Lumba’s burial further fueled speculation, while plans to appeal the ruling and reorganise funeral arrangements kept the issue alive, exposing tensions between customary practices and modern legal interpretations.

6. Nana Agradaa and Empress Gifty’s legal feud

Adding another layer to Agradaa’s turbulent year, she was hit with a defamation lawsuit filed by Gospel singer Empress Gifty. The case reignited conversations around celebrity conflicts, religious leadership and responsibility in public commentary.

7. Guru and Miss UG pageant drama

Rapper and 2024/2025 University of Ghana SRC President Guru was embroiled in controversy following claims by the 2025 Miss UG winner that pageant organisers mismanaged funds and failed to deliver promised prizes, and handed her a faulty vehicle.

Guru denied allegations of wrongdoing, insisting no agreement was made for a brand-new car. However, accusations of intimidation, blocked communication and censorship on social media kept the issue trending.

'Just yesterday I received an email from EgyptAir thanking me for using their service. That's when I found out that they used the Miss UG money to book a trip and ticket to Dubai for Antoinnette Opoku, the Women's Commissioner.'

— Ms Jazmine Saaka (Winner, Miss UG Legon under… pic.twitter.com/TBiKkVc0xC

— Hitz 103.9 FM (@Hitz1039FM) November 26, 2025

8. Stonebwoy’s ‘historic’ post sparked debate

Stonebwoy faced criticism after reposting an old performance clip with the caption “Historic” after Sarkodie’s Rapperholic concert in Kumasi.

Although he clarified that the post was not intended as shade but personal reflection, it reignited conversations about rivalry, timing and sensitivity within the music industry.

Historic https://t.co/i33Z5dGLGi

— THE TORCHER (@stonebwoy) September 28, 2025

Meanwhile watch the moment Stonebwoy brought his children on stage at #BHIMFEST2025



AK/EB