'Shatta Wale didn't choose Ghana Meets Naija over Oxford Conference'

On Tuesday, May 3, 2016, it was reported by section of the media that 'Chop Kiss’ hitmaker, Shatta Wale disclosed on Pluzz FM, that he would on everyday choose money over prestige.

And with reference to that, he’s no longer interested in the Oxford Africa Conference which is also slated the same day as this year’s Ghana Meets Naija Concert, May 21.

However, management of the musician has come out to state the facts of the publication.

Read the full statement copied to Ghanaweb.com below:

Our attention has been drawn to a misrepresentation in publications in sections of the media about the cancellation of Shatta Wale’s participation in the 2016 Oxford Africa Conference slated for 20th and 21st May 2016 in Oxford, United Kingdom.

This follows an interview the King of African Dancehall granted Pluzz FM on 26th April 2016.

We wish to state the facts as follows:

1. Chris Koney, on behalf of management, contacted the organisers of the conference and discussed the possibility to have Shatta Wale as a speaker at the conference which they were happy to give him the opportunity.

2. On April 21st 2016, Chris Koney informed the organisers of the conference the possibility of Shatta Wale canceling his participation in the conference for reasons which couldn’t be discussed publicly but were made known to the organisers. Chris Koney has since been working with the organisers to get a replacement for Shatta Wale.

3. In the buildup to Shatta Wale’s “After The Storm” album concert, Shatta Wale had an interview on Pluzz FM on 26th April 2016 to promote the event and album. During the said interview, Shatta Wale listed his priorities in life with money being the ultimate.

He however stated that prestige is also important and he will consider prestige immediately after making the money, hence a need to have a balance between the two.

On the Oxford Africa Conference, he highlighted the importance of the event and the respected personalities that are expected to be part of the event. He gave an indication he might not participate in the conference but didn’t give the exact details since that was personal and couldn’t be discussed publicly.

At no time during the interview did Shatta Wale mention he was boycotting the Oxford Africa Conference for Ghana Meets Naija, a show he had no deal with the organisers as headline performer at the time of the interview. Also, he did not say the organisers had agreed for him to be part of next year’s edition of the conference.

Management wishes to render an apology to the organisers of the conference and their partners for the damage these publications might have caused to the successful execution of the conference.

It is our desire to work closely with the organisers to ensure the conference doesn’t suffer any setback due to Shatta Wale's absence.

By Management.