Shatta Wale Dropped From Afro+ Fest in the US Amid FBI and EOCO Saga, Details Emerge
- Dancehall musician Shata Wale will not be performing at the 2025 edition of the Afro+ Fest in Washington, DC
- The organisers of the music festival shared details in a statement, citing that his team worked tirelessly over the past weeks to try and make his performance happen
- Many others claimed the dancehall musician fears arrest upon entry into the US, hence his decision to drop out of the festival lineup
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Afro+ Fest has announced that Ghanaian dancehall superstar Shatta Wale will no longer perform at its 2025 edition in Washington, D.C., citing unforeseen logistical constraints and tight timelines.
Source: Instagram
Why Shatta Wale won't grace Afro+ Fest
The highly anticipated festival is scheduled to take place later this year in the United States, where fans were eagerly awaiting Shatta Wale’s performance before the latest bombshell.
In a statement, the organisers explained:
“Despite his (Shatta Wale) full commitment to Afro Plus Fest 2025, Shatta Wale will no longer be able to perform due to unforeseen logistical constraints and tight timelines that were entirely outside of both his and our control.”
In the same statement, the Afro+ Fest organisers clarified that the decision was not linked to any unwillingness on Shatta Wale’s part, emphasising that he and his team worked tirelessly over the past weeks to try and make his performance happen.
Source: Instagram
Meanwhile, the cancellation comes at a time when Shatta Wale has been entangled in a developing saga with the FBI and Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), following investigations into an alleged stolen yellow 2019 Lamborghini Urus.
While the festival organisers made no mention of this, industry insiders suggest the ongoing situation may have compounded the "evolving regulations and time-sensitive requirements” referenced in the announcement.
“This decision was not due to any lack of effort or willingness from Shatta Wale or Afro Plus. The circumstances are a reflection of challenges that many artists face when travelling internationally under evolving regulations,” the statement added.
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The organisers reassured fans that Afro+ Fest 2025 will still be an unforgettable experience despite the setback:
“Afro+ Fest 2025 will still deliver an incredible experience, and we thank you for your continued support and understanding.”
Reactions to Shatta Wale missing Afro+ Fest
Many people in the comment section believed that Shatta Wale was dropped because of his case with the American security agency, the FBI.
The reactions of Ghanaians to the statement are below:
mrqofficial_ said:
"Good move coz FBI dey there 😂."
akuaampoh said:
"He's wise not to travel, he knows he's on the red list, he doesn't want to end up like....... never mind 😂 Shatta says I'm not taking the risk 😂😩."
akuaampoh said:
"This is why I like this quote sooo much, "Good Name Is Better Than Riches". Now, because of a certain tag on you, you're now running away from business 😩💔."
amajuche said:
"The fear of FBI 🤣🤣🤣🤣."
Shatta Wale hints at launching political party
YEN.com.gh reported that dancehall star Shatta Wale stirred debate after suggesting the creation of a youth-led political party in Ghana.
Sharing his frustrations with the country’s current leadership, Shatta Wale argued that the older generation has failed to evolve with modern times, particularly when it comes to technology, governance, and addressing the needs of young people.
His bold statement sparked widespread conversation online, with many young Ghanaians weighing in on the possibility of a fresh political movement spearheaded by the younger generation.
Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
