Dancehall superstar Shatta Wale honoured fellow artiste Samini, recognising him as a trailblazer who paved the way for Ghana’s current generation of music stars. The tribute came during Shatta Wale’s 40th birthday celebration at Independence Square on October 18, 2025.
While introducing Samini to thousands of cheering fans at Shatta Fest 2025, the self-proclaimed Dancehall King described him as one of Ghana’s greatest musical legends. The heartfelt acknowledgement marked a significant moment, given the often stormy past between the two dancehall heavyweights.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the person I’m coming to introduce today is one of Ghana’s greatest legends,” Shatta Wale told the massive crowd. “He is somebody who paved the way for us all.”
Shatta Wale highlighted Samini’s groundbreaking international performances across America, Canada, and Europe, noting that his achievements inspired younger Ghanaian artists to pursue global success. For many fans and industry observers, the praise carried special weight given the pair’s history of rivalry.
The tribute occurred during Shatta Fest 2025, powered by Mobile Money Ghana Limited in partnership with MTN MoMo, which drew massive crowds to Black Star Square. A major highlight of the night was a rare joint performance of their 2019 collaboration “Celebration,” released under Samini’s High Grade Family label. The performance symbolized reconciliation and mutual respect, bridging years of competition.
Samini’s influence on Ghanaian music remains profound. As the first Ghanaian to win a MOBO Award, he set global standards that artists like Shatta Wale would later build upon. His pioneering tours in Western markets during the early 2000s opened doors for the next wave of Ghanaian talent to shine internationally.
The star-studded birthday show also featured performances from Wendy Shay, Medikal, Tinny, Jupitar, and others. Adom TV’s Sister Sandy hosted the event, while Nigerian influencers Peller and Big Jiggy joined the celebrations. Fans dressed in white, symbolizing unity, victory, and purity, as requested by Shatta Wale.
More than just a milestone birthday, Shatta Fest 2025 became a celebration of legacy and gratitude. In an industry often marked by rivalry, Shatta Wale’s open acknowledgment of Samini’s contributions stood out as a powerful act of respect, uniting generations of Ghanaian dancehall.
Shatta Wale and Samini Performs “Celebration” at ShattaFest 2025#MoMoFestXShattaFest #ShattaFest2025 #Shattabration #Shattafest pic.twitter.com/uKp4k57Kkq
— Ndwomfie (@ndwomfie) October 19, 2025
Source: AdomOnline