“Nigerians don’t reciprocate the love they receive from Ghana” – Singer Stonebwoy solidly behind Shatta Wale

The Ghana-Nigeria banter is only getting stronger by the day, as several artistes have different opinions with regards to Shatta Wale’s claims that Nigerians don’t support Ghanian artistes as they do theirs.

Nigerian singer, Stonebwoy in his opinion stated that Nigerians don’t reciprocate the love they receive from Ghana.

Stonebwoy wrote, “We were all Africans before we got separated into individual nations. African history and migration studies confirm that there is more that unites us than divides us.

“As the big family that we are, we all draw diverse creative inspiration from one another – no wonder then that we have similar cultures and values across the continent, and this cross-pollination is clearly shown in our music and sound.

“With the advent of the modern-day nation-state, each independent nation is uniquely gifted in order to contribute its quota to the overall status of Africa’s entertainment and creative arts scene.

To do this, we must support each other in equal measure. Our brother nation Nigeria has done very well to mark many of the biggest milestones in the entertainment scene and is putting Africa on the global map due to the strength of its population (amongst other qualities).

Accordingly, our Nigerian brothers must consider that with their great power comes the responsibility of helping to forge a united African front by deliberately allowing music from the other African countries which pollinate Nigerian music to flourish on Nigerian platforms on local and international levels.

This approach will enable the African sound to dominate the world as one big family and as a global force… That’s how we stand as one Africa. My brother Shatta Wale’s approach may be wrong but the topic of our brother nation Nigeria not reciprocating the love and support it receives particularly from Ghana is valid and deserves critical attention.

“Meanwhile, as the saying goes, we must love our neighbours as we love ourselves (not more than we love ourselves). This means that Ghanaians home and abroad must emulate the Nigerian approach of prioritising an agenda to invest in and support Ghanaian talent.”

As expected, Stonebwoy’s opinion didn’t sit well with some Netizens who stated that hard work not having an entitlement mentality put Nigerian artistes on the global map which should be emulated by Ghanaian artistes.

See some reactions below;

@Savvyrinu “ Ranting and entitlement mentality did not put Nigerian music on global platforms. Hard work did. Nobody forced us to listen or dance to Fuse ODG. It’s not by guilt trip, na by grace, merit and hard work. Africa is one but when you need someone to blame, it’s Nigeria. When Mafikizolo, Tchelete, Master KG from SA controlled Nigerian airwaves for many years, no one complained. Good songs no get enemy”.

Asiwajulerry “ Shall we start listing the numerous collaborations Wizkid, Davido and Burna boy have all done with Ghana artistes? Learn from your fellow Nigerian artistes and brothers, if you don’t push yourself, there’s little to what foreign or brotherly countries can do to push you. Up your pen games!

@Letom “ The entitlement is shocking. Music is business, Burna Boy was hawking B. D’OR on the streets of London two weeks ago . Nothing is going to be handed to any of you, Stonebwoy. Put in the work. Imagine us asking English people to watch our league because we watch the EPL.”

ChiefNomso “ Nigerian Artistes have done countless music with Ghanaian Artistes for over a decade, Joeboy FT a GH artiste this year. Why are Ghanaians not urging South Africans to push their Music? Or only NG can, Nigerian Music got to where it is today cos Nigerians supported their Music”.

Mikeoriv “ The only valid thing you said here is the Airplay discussion which is debatable. Anything apart from that is pure cap, No other nation shows love to Ghanaian artiste like Nigeria. From R2bees to Sarkodie to so many other guys. Even Ckay’s Love nwantitin had kwesi Arthur on It.”

@Omojuwa “ My Ghana brother Bright Simons says it best, Nigerians are driven. They will push and push. No is not a valid answer. You all should go sit down with Bright so he can show you how to conquer the world with your music. Emotional blackmail won’t cut it! It’s worth zero in the market.”

Letter_to_jack “ Nigerians love good sound, that’s what gets our attention. This is why Awilo Logomba sacked our airwaves, becoming the life of every Nigerian party. South African songs do that too every now and then. If you want Nigerians to embrace your songs, meet our needs; EVOLVE.”

WhoisLato “ There’s no big difference between what you said and what Shatta Wale said, the only difference is he’s ranting and you made note about it and tweet it. Why are you guys so envious over there?? Instead of you to sit down and learn from Nigerians and be better at it.”

@GraceChieke “I wish Nigerian artiste more billboard hot 100 next year, more sold out shows and more worldwide recognition. You people have not seen anything, the real fire is coming next year. Make good music, we long good music. You’re not gonna emotional blackmail us”.

MissTeeOfficial “Reducing Nigeria’s musical impact to just being about population is bloody disrespectful. No Nigerian artist wakes up one day and blows, the hard work that goes into the craft is insane. This entitlement is bizarre. Nigerians LOVE other African sounds and support those artists.”

Samsenaexe “ They constantly make a mockery of us for our security challenges with Boko Haram. They tease me with it every time. They yab our power supply issue. The one thing Nigeria is far better than them at and globally accepted at. They feel jealous and threatened and want it by force.”

@Olly “Please, drop that silly population talk. South Korea does not have a large population, but their entertainment industry has broken barriers worldwide, from music to movies. Stop reducing the hard work of Nigerian acts to “population”, it’s insulting.”

@Drew “ Your biggest song on Spotify and Youtube is a collaboration with a Nigerian artist, be grateful. we owe you nothing”.