Gyakie Celebrates Shatta Wale as the Pillar of Ghana’s Dancehall

Ghanaian songbird Gyakie has showered praise on Shatta Wale, hailing him as one of the strongest forces in Ghana’s Dancehall and Reggae culture.

Speaking in an interview with the Grammy Recording Academy ahead of her debut album release, Gyakie revealed that Shatta Wale features on track four, titled Harmattan. According to her, his presence on the project was intentional because his name has become inseparable from conversations around Dancehall in Ghana.

“In Ghana, when it comes to Dancehall and Reggae, Shatta Wale is one of the first names people mention. He’s done so much for the industry. After I recorded Harmattan, I felt it needed someone else, and his was the first voice I imagined on it,” Gyakie explained.

Detailing the collaboration, she said working with Shatta Wale was inspiring. He embraced the project wholeheartedly, adding passion and energy to his verse.

“We sent him the track, and he loved it immediately. The effort he put into it was clear, and when we spoke on the phone, he told me how much he enjoyed recording it. I’m truly grateful for his dedication,” she added.

Gyakie’s debut album also features 6lack (USA), Headie One (UK), and Young Jonn (Nigeria), but she stressed that these collaborations came from genuine connections and mutual respect, not just star power.

While highlighting Shatta Wale, Gyakie also recognized the broader impact of Ghana’s Dancehall movement — from Stonebwoy’s global reach to the rising stars shaping the culture. She believes every contribution strengthens the image of Ghanaian music worldwide.

“These are friends who respect my music, and I respect theirs. They loved the songs, and that made the process easy and the music sweeter. It reassures me that I’m doing something right,” she noted.

For Gyakie, this album is more than a personal milestone — it’s a celebration of Ghana’s diverse music culture, where voices like Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy continue to carry the nation high.