King Paluta, the winner of the 2024 New Artiste of the Year award, has come under fire for accepting an invitation from Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. However, Paluta has vehemently defended his decision, claiming that critics are being ‘foolish.’
During a recent tour of the Ashanti Region, Paluta was seen performing his hit song ‘Aseda’ on the campaign bus of Dr. Bawumia, who is also the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). The move drew criticism from some quarters who accused Paluta of being politically biased.
Undeterred, Paluta addressed the criticism on United Television, stating that he saw no issue with accepting the invitation from the vice president.
‘I heard a presenter attacking me because I joined the Vice President on his campaign bus,’ Paluta said. ‘I think he has a tank in his head to think that way. Even the said presenter feels disrespected when artists are invited and don’t show up, how much more the Vice President of the country who is an elderly man?’
Paluta added: ‘I went there because the Vice President wanted to see me and if you have a problem with that, it is your cup of tea. I drove there with my fuel, so if he gives me something to fuel my car, is it a crime?’
The rapper-turned-singer’s response has sparked a debate on social media, with some users supporting his decision and others criticizing him for aligning himself with a political party.
Paluta’s decision to accept the vice president’s invitation comes at a time when the entertainment industry in Ghana is increasingly being drawn into political campaigns. Several artists have been accused of using their platforms to promote specific candidates or political parties.
It remains to be seen whether Paluta’s decision will have any impact on his career or the broader landscape of Ghanaian entertainment. However, it is clear that his views on the matter have sparked a much-needed discussion about the role of artists in politics.
