Sally Mann, a well-known figure in Ghana’s entertainment media, has recently made statements that have sent shockwaves through the industry. Known for her candid takes, Mann has not only alleged a coordinated effort to promote Stonebwoy over Shatta Wale but also expressed disappointment over Stonebwoy’s recent behavior and lack of Grammy-focused achievements. Her comments bring to light ongoing tensions around the influence of so-called “gatekeepers” in the Ghanaian music industry—a point Shatta Wale himself has repeatedly warned about.
Sally Mann’s Claims of Sabotage Against Shatta Wale
In a striking admission, Sally Mann claimed that she, along with other powerful media figures, intentionally sidelined Shatta Wale to curb his influence in the industry. According to her, they instead focused their efforts on boosting Stonebwoy’s visibility, particularly in Grammy circles. This move, as Mann described, was not due to a lack of talent on Wale’s part but rather a reaction to what she perceived as his consistent disrespect towards media figures. By aligning themselves with Stonebwoy, Mann claims they aimed to “punish” Shatta Wale while giving Stonebwoy a greater chance at Grammy-level recognition.
Stonebwoy’s “Arrogance” After VGMA and Stalled Grammy Ambitions
Mann’s criticisms didn’t end with Shatta Wale. Sally also accused Stonebwoy of growing arrogant after achieving greater recognition, particularly following his infamous altercation with Shatta Wale at the 2019 VGMA. Mann recounted a specific incident where she felt snubbed by Stonebwoy, suggesting that his rising fame had made him dismissive toward media figures who had once been in his corner.
Furthermore, she openly questioned Stonebwoy’s commitment to the Grammy dream, stating that despite the support he received, he has done little in the past three years to actively pursue Grammy-level achievements. For Mann, this gap highlights what she sees as wasted potential and the pitfalls of arrogance that, she implies, may have ultimately undermined Stonebwoy’s trajectory.
Vindicating Shatta Wale: The Gatekeeper Mentality and Ghana’s Pull-Him-Down Spirit
Mann’s revelations echo a message that Shatta Wale has vocalized for years: that a group of industry “gatekeepers” wields too much influence, often to the detriment of artists they disfavor. Wale has long argued that these gatekeepers stifle the progress of certain musicians while elevating others based on personal biases, creating a toxic environment that hinders Ghana’s music industry from reaching its full potential. Mann’s admission of deliberate sabotage seems to vindicate Shatta Wale’s warnings, proving that his concerns were not unfounded
The presence of these gatekeepers, and their impact on artists like Shatta Wale, points to a broader issue: Ghana’s “pull-him-down” spirit. This mentality, which encourages competition rather than collaboration, ultimately harms not only the entertainment industry but also the nation’s progress. With Mann’s allegations now out in the open, many are calling for a reassessment of these gatekeeping practices and a more supportive industry culture that lifts all artists, rather than selectively promoting a few.
A Call to End Gatekeeping in Ghana’s Entertainment Industry
Sally Mann’s claims have opened a new chapter in the discussion about Ghana’s music industry and its gatekeepers. For some, this is a wake-up call to eliminate the “pull-him-down” mentality and embrace a more inclusive, supportive environment. As Shatta Wale has often pointed out, the industry’s success depends on dismantling these harmful practices. Only by moving beyond favoritism and supporting a diverse range of talent can Ghana’s music scene truly thrive on the global stage.
