In a recent turn of events at the highly anticipated Abeka Sallah Fest, reggae dancehall sensation Stonebwoy made a pivotal decision to withdraw from the event due to lingering security concerns, reigniting the long-standing feud with fellow artist Shatta Wale. This unexpected move sent shockwaves through the music industry and sparked a heated debate on the responsibilities of event organizers and the safety of performers.
The controversy surrounding the fest escalated as fans eagerly awaited a potential iconic collaboration between the two prominent artists, only to be met with disappointment as Stonebwoy opted out at the eleventh hour. In an exclusive interview on AIT TV’s Showbiz City, Kwaku Duah shed light on the situation, offering insight into the underlying tensions and concerns that led to Stonebwoy’s decision.
“Stonebwoy did the right thing for not showing up at the Abeka Sallah Fest,” Duah asserted, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing safety over performance. “It was wrong for Baba Sadiq to put both artists on the list for the show because he knew they were both banned from performing on the same stage due to their ongoing feud.”
The rift between Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale traces back to previous altercations, including a highly publicized incident at the VGMA’s, where the two artists clashed on stage, leading to chaos and subsequent bans. Despite efforts to reconcile, tensions between the two have persisted, casting a shadow over potential collaborations and joint appearances.
Duah further highlighted the disrespectful nature of including both artists on the bill without proper consideration for the implications. “It was disrespectful to Stonebwoy because he didn’t know Shatta was on the bill until a day before the fest,” he remarked, echoing sentiments of frustration among fans and industry insiders alike.
Stonebwoy’s decision to prioritize the betterment of his brand and ensure his own safety underscores the complexities of navigating the music industry amidst ongoing conflicts. While fans may lament the missed opportunity for a historic collaboration, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges artists face in balancing artistic aspirations with personal security concerns.
As the fallout from the Abeka Sallah Fest continues to unfold, questions linger regarding the role of event organizers in safeguarding performers and the future of collaborations between Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale. In a landscape marked by both artistic ambition and simmering tensions, the incident serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between creativity and conflict in the world of music.
Report by Apeke Rosemary- 22/04/2024
