Bullgod says managing Shatta Wale nearly cost him industry relationships

Ghanaian music executive Lawrence Nana Asiama Hanson, popularly known as Bullgod, has disclosed that his time managing dancehall star Shatta Wale almost ruined some of his most valuable relationships in the entertainment industry.

Speaking on Prime Time with George Quaye on JoyPrime, Bullgod described Shatta Wale as one of the most difficult artistes he has ever worked with, citing his unpredictable nature and refusal to honour agreements.

“He insulted my boss at Charterhouse while I was working with them, and that nearly cost me a lot. I got a lot of enemies just managing Shatta Wale,” he revealed, adding that the situation left him torn between loyalty to his artiste and maintaining professional respect.

According to him, Shatta Wale often agreed to engagements only to pull out unexpectedly. “You can have an agreement with him, and the next morning he will refuse to go,” he recalled. At one edition of the Ghana Music Awards, he said, organisers agreed the artiste would perform a single song, only for him to disregard the arrangement on stage.

Bullgod also pointed to Shatta Wale’s controversial media outbursts as another challenge. “He went on Joy FM, had issues there, and before it ended, he continued on YFM,” he said.

Despite the turbulence, Bullgod insisted his time with Shatta Wale yielded success, noting that he helped secure the artiste’s return to the Ghana Music Awards after years of absence. “After he came back, we were able to get him nominated, and he won,” he said.

He praised Shatta Wale’s influence on Ghana’s music scene, describing him as “a good musician” who understands how to connect with the streets and has built a loyal following. “Whether people like him or not, Shatta is the dancehall king of Ghana,” he added.

Reflecting on his career, Bullgod said managing Shatta Wale was a test that ultimately helped him grow as a manager. He also spoke about losing money in the Menzgold saga, criticising government’s handling of the company’s shutdown.

“There are customs you follow when shutting down a company. You must ensure everyone owed is paid before taking such action,” he argued, lamenting that some victims even lost their lives.

Bullgod concluded by advising creatives not to see award losses as failure. “Not winning doesn’t mean someone has won over you. Sometimes the most difficult experiences are the ones that teach you the most,” he said.