Management of Dancehall artiste, Shatta Wale, has debunked rumours that he has sold the rights of his song, Mahama Paper to the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
They also denied being approached officially by the party to buy the rights to the song. And that even if they are asked, they will decline the offer because they have no desire to be associated with any political party.
Last Sunday, Shatta Wale’s Mahama Paper was the most popular song at the official launch of NDC’s 2016 campaign launch at the Cape Coast Sports Stadium in the Central Region.
Anytime the song boomed through the speakers at the 16,000-capacity edifice, it sent supporters of the party into a frenzy as they danced and sang along. And this happened several times sending the rumour mongering wheel spinning fast that it is the official campaign song for the party.
This perception has raised a lot of eyebrows, particularly when the Kakai hit-maker had earlier in May this year stated clearly that he did not support any political party.
Speaking on behalf of the multi-award winning artiste, Mr. Chris Koney, a member of his management team debunked rumours that his client has sold the rights to the NDC. He also dismissed the perception that Shatta Wale is a member of the party.
“Let me put it on record, Shatta Wale hasn’t endorsed any political party or presidential candidate because he has no affiliation to any political party. As we all know, Mahama Paper was released last year before the political season started. It’s rather unfortunate that he’s being tagged NDC, now,” he told Showbiz on Tuesday.
Chris explained that as a popular song which many love to dance to at social functions such as funerals, outdoorings, weddings, parties among others, it is not out of place if NDC supporters dance to it when it is played.
“I think they were only doing what people do when Shatta Wale’s songs are played,” he defended.
Election years have been a kind of cocoa season for some celebs, especially musicians, to make money by composing campaign tracks for political parties.
In 2008 and 2012, Kwabena Kwabena and Daddy Lumba released songs in support of the New Patriotic Party and its flagbearer Nana Akufo Addo. Highlife artiste, Jewel Ackah and Lucky Mensah did same for the ruling NDC.
When Showbiz asked Chris if his team would accept money should the NDC approach them to sell the rights of Mahama Paper to the party, he said:
“Well, we haven’t been approached officially by the NDC or any political party but even if they do, the offer will be declined.
“Shatta Wale has stated that he doesn’t want to meddle in politics or support any political party. He is a unifier and his belief in unity inspired him to start the peace tour which saw him hold a massive concert in Kumasi last Sunday,” he said.
Though the 2014 VGMA Artiste of the Year does not want to be tagged NDC, it seems some of his colleagues in the arts and creative arts industry have fallen deeply in love with the ruling party.
The likes of Amandzeba, Mr Beautiful, John Dumelo, Mzbel, Afia Schwerzenneger and Kalsoume Sinare have publicly declared their support for the NDC and are already campaigning for the party to win this year’s elections.
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