'I retired three years ago' — Shatta Wale explains shift from music to business

• Shatta Wale has claimed he retired from active music three years ago, saying his primary focus is now on building businesses and creating long-term wealth.

• The dancehall star highlighted ventures such as Shaxi and Hot Wave, as well as a newly launched digital marketplace, as part of his growing business empire.

• Despite his retirement claim, Shatta Wale continues to release music, perform at major events, and promote the UK edition of Shattafest, leaving many fans questioning what retirement means for the artiste.

The musician, born Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr., made the surprising claim during an interview with Bola Ray on Thursday, 28 May 2026.

The statement has left many fans puzzled, given that Shatta Wale remains one of Ghana’s most visible and commercially active artistes, regularly releasing music, performing at major events and engaging his large fan base online.

READ MORE: 'I’d be deeply honoured to cook with you' — Chef Abbys appeals to Mahama

When asked whether he had reached a stage in life where he could comfortably step away from music, Shatta Wale responded confidently:

He explained that although many people still associate him primarily with music, his attention has increasingly shifted towards business and entrepreneurship.

READ MORE: 'Bervely refused medication because she believed God was going to heal her'- Brother reveals

According to the artiste, his focus is now centred on building sustainable ventures capable of creating long-term wealth beyond the entertainment industry.

Discussing some of his investments, he pointed to businesses such as Shaxi and Hot Wave, which he says form part of a broader strategy to expand his commercial interests.

He said;

Shatta Wale further disclosed that his business network has established partnerships and investment connections in countries including China and the United Arab Emirates.

ALSO READ: 7 Richest presidents in Africa 2026

He also revealed that his team recently developed and launched a digital marketplace aimed at supporting traders, particularly those operating within Accra’s popular Tuesday Market.

Hinting at additional projects in the pipeline, the musician suggested that more technology-driven initiatives would soon be unveiled.

He stated;

READ MORE: Ras Kuuku says Stonebwoy’s TGMA success driven by heavy investment in music business

Despite his retirement claim, many observers argue that Shatta Wale’s activities tell a different story.

Over the past three years, he has continued to release new music, dominate conversations on social media, and headline major concerts across Ghana and beyond. His annual event, Shattafest, remains one of the country’s biggest music festivals, attracting thousands of fans each year.

The artiste is also currently in the United Kingdom promoting the upcoming UK edition of Shattafest, scheduled for August, further fuelling questions about what exactly he means by retirement.

While Shatta Wale insists he has stepped away from music as his primary focus, his continued influence in entertainment suggests that his transition may be less about leaving the industry and more about expanding his identity as a businessman alongside his music career.