My time in police cell was like a vacation – Shatta Wale
Prominent dancehall artist, Shatta Wale, has opened up about his time behind bars, revealing that his incarceration felt akin to being at home and even akin to a vacation.
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During an interview broadcasted on TV3, Shatta Wale shared his perspective on his experience in prison. Responding to whether the time served had humbled him, the musician stated that it didn't change his disposition and instead compared the environment to his comfort zone.
"In Ghana, our sacrifices for the country are not often recognized. The experience in jail didn't really humble me, as it felt just like home," Shatta Wale remarked.
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Detailing his time in confinement, Shatta Wale shed light on the atmosphere within the cell, where he found unexpected camaraderie among fellow inmates who were avid fans of his music. According to him, the encounter resembled a royal reception rather than a punitive sentence.
"Many of the inmates had been longing to see Shatta Wale. Some offered me water, while others shared their food. The same respect and treatment I received on the streets were replicated within the prison walls," Shatta Wale shared.
Despite the time spent in custody, Shatta Wale asserted that his career trajectory remained unaltered. Contrary to the belief that his creative output might be stifled, he found himself producing more hits after his release.
"Contrary to expectations, my time in jail didn't hinder my creativity; it was more like a retreat. While one wouldn't normally return from jail with a positive mindset, I released tracks like 'On God' and 'JJC' shortly after my release," Shatta Wale stated.
Shatta Wale, whose real name is Charles Nii Armah Mensah, had been remanded at the Ankaful Medium prison in the Central Region for one week. His arrest followed an incident in which he faked being shot, a scheme involving his Public Relations Officer, Nana Dope, and another individual named Gangee.