Entertainment pundit and frequent guest on UTV’s United Showbiz, Arnold Asamoah-Baidoo has criticised Shatta Wale for certain remarks he made.
Shatta’s remarks implied that Ghanaians would be the biggest benefactor should he perform at the O2 Arena which prompted Arnold’s critique.
In Arnold’s view, Artists benefit the most from organizing shows because the tickets sold and streams add to their financial gains.
Shatta Wale is reported to have said “You people call me a drug addict. Why should I risk my life to fill a place for Ghanaians or the music industry?”
While speaking on the United TV show. the entertainment journalist found it bewildering that Shatta Wale who stands to profit the most from performing at shows would make such remarks.
Arnold queried that it doesn’t make sense for an artist to refuse to perform at the O2 arena because of security risks. He emphasized that performing on that grand stage is the highlight of an artist’s career and also a chance for them to connect with their audience.
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“How does this make sense?” Arnold asked. “An artiste going to fill O2 Arena; how is that a risk to your life? It is part of your functions, your mandate as an artiste to actually go out there and perform. Unless of course you’re not an artiste or you don’t believe you’re a musician.”
He continued: “A musician has revenue generation points – royalties, endorsement deals, album sales which are now streaming and most importantly, touring, playing gigs, performances. So as an artist, to say you’re risking your life for doing a part of your job, then what’s the point?
“How are you filling it for Ghanaians? The biggest beneficiary is you Shatta Wale,” Arnold argued.
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What triggered these remarks was Asake’s performance at the O2 Arena. Netizens wondered why Ghanaian acts have not been able to achieve this feat as a section of the public mocks Ghanaian artists.
Although some say the comparison is necessary, others have different opinions. Some have called for an end to it while others have maintained that it is healthy for the industry.