I see myself in Shatta Wale- Rex Omar

Ghanaian musician Shatta Wale has received renewed commendation from Rex Owusu Marfo, Coordinator of the Blackstar Experience, popularly known as Rex Omar, who has hailed him as a true trailblazer in modern Ghanaian music.

Speaking on Prime Morning on Joy Prime, Rex Omar reflected on the years of advocacy he and others in his generation championed to spark positive change in the creative industry. When asked which younger musician embodies that same spirit today, he said Shatta Wale mirrors the passion and drive he once brought to the space.
“I see myself in Shatta Wale,” he said. “He picked up what I started and took it to a different level. I’m proud that today, a Ghanaian musician, a Ghanaian creative, is finally receiving the attention we’ve been fighting for," he said.

He stressed that the recognition Shatta Wale and other creatives now enjoy is the result of long-standing advocacy that government is finally responding to.
“I’m grateful that His Excellency John Dramani Mahama and the Government of Ghana are understanding the advocacy and taking action,” he noted.

Rex Omar recalled being in South Africa when the 2026 national budget was announced and expressed satisfaction that, for the first time, GH₵20 million was allocated to the Film Fund and another GH₵20 million to the Creative Arts Fund, among other provisions.

“This is a step in the right direction,” he said. “We need to do more, but this seed funding can be leveraged to attract even greater investment into the industry.”

The government has pledged to position the creative economy as a major contributor to Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product.