Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale hug on stage following presidential request

Dancehall stars Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale shared a warm hug on stage after President John Mahama requested that they do so on Friday.

The two rivals, whose long-standing feud has defined Ghana’s dancehall scene for over a decade, first shook hands during the event, prompting a wave of applause.

Television personality Berla Mundi, who moderated the programme, then turned to President Mahama, seated in the audience, to ask if he would approve of another gesture between the pair.

The President, smiling, signalled that the two musicians should embrace. At Berla Mundi’s urging, reminding them it was a presidential request, the two superstars turned toward each other and briefly hugged, sparking even louder cheers from the crowd.

“And there you have it, this is so beautiful,” Berla Mundi remarked from the lectern as the audience celebrated the moment.

In a humorous twist, Stonebwoy quickly stepped forward to the microphone and joked, “If president says hug and you don’t, you want him to jail us?” a comment that sent the audience into laughter.

When Berla Mundi teased him by asking if the hug was out of fear of being jailed, he responded, “Win power, obey power,” drawing even more amusement.

The appearance took place on Friday during the launch of a fundraising campaign ahead of Ghana’s participation in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Ghana is scheduled to play two matches in the United States and one in Canada.

Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale’s rivalry dates back to the peak of their careers, with fans often clashing over who truly deserves the title of “Dancehall King.”

Their feud reached a dramatic peak during the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards 2019, when chaos erupted on stage after Stonebwoy was named Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year.

As he prepared to give his acceptance speech, Shatta Wale and members of his entourage approached the stage, leading to a confrontation that disrupted the live broadcast and forced organisers to halt the ceremony.

That incident remains one of the most controversial moments in Ghana’s music history, making their latest public display of unity all the more significant for fans and industry observers alike.