‘Throwing money is for security reasons, but I’ll stop if the law prohibits it’ – Shatta Wale

Ghanaian dancehall musician Shatta Wale has defended the controversial practice of throwing money into crowds, explaining that it is sometimes done for security reasons rather than to flaunt wealth. He stressed that he is willing to stop if the law prohibits it.

Speaking in an interview with Serwaa Amihere, the ‘On God’ hitmaker explained that throwing money can serve as a distraction, allowing public figures like himself to move through large crowds safely.

“Sometimes it’s even for security reasons that we do it. We get to places, and the crowd needs something to distract them so we can move. It’s not about me throwing money to show off,” he said.

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Shatta Wale added that he recently learned throwing money in public could be considered an offence and emphasised that he has no intention of breaking the law.

“I recently heard that throwing money is an issue. I said, ‘Cool, you guys are even helping me. I won’t be throwing money anywhere again,” he stated.

When reminded by Serwaa Amihere that such regulations are laws that should not be broken, Shatta Wale responded, “That’s what I’m saying. I’m a law-abiding citizen.”

He also maintained that his intentions have often been to help people rather than flaunt his wealth.

However, Serwaa Amihere questioned why he throws money into the air instead of handing it directly to those in need.

“But why do you have to throw the money to them if you see people suffering? If you want to help me, why don’t you hand the money to me? Why do they need to throw it into the air for people to be all over the place and get hurt in the process trying to take the money?” she asked, describing the practice as “very arrogant.”

In response, Shatta Wale reiterated that the act is not always intended as a display of wealth.

“Sometimes you go to places, and I feel, ‘Okay, let me just help. Let me just do something for these people,” he added.

PAT/EB