Entertainment
Shatta Wale, manager accept out-of-court settlement of defamation case
Dancehall artist, Charles Nii Armah Mensah, also known as Shatta Wale, and his former manager, Lawrence Asiamah Mensah Hanson, have agreed to settle an ongoing defamation case out of court.
This was after counsel for Hanson, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, told the Accra High Court that the parties agreed an out of court settlement.
Hanson sued Shatta Wale for allegedly making defamatory publications against him and asked the Accra High Court to award cost in damages against the defendant.
In 2022, Shatta Wale allegedly published on social media that Hanson knew about the murder of the late George Fenec Okyere, a musician.
In the writ filed in 2022, the plaintiff stated that the publications by Shatta Wale were not only false, but they were actuated by malice to tarnish the hard won reputation of his client.
The court presided over by Justice Joseph Adu Agyemang Owusu, had already ordered the parties to file written submissions, but the lawyers could not do so because of the agreement to settle the case out of court.
“We wish to pray for one more adjournment to attempt settlement and depending on the outcome we may apply formally for extension of time to file our witness statement,” Dr Justice Srem-Sai told the court.
The case has been adjourned to April 18, 2023.
The plaintiff wanted a declaration of the court that the series of publications made by the defendant were defamatory to the plaintiff.
He asked the court to declare that the series of publications made by the defendant were also malicious.
The plaintiff urged the court for an order directed at the defendant to retract the publications from all on his social media accounts and render an unqualified apology for the defamatory words that the defendant has published about the plaintiff.
The plaintiff said such retraction and apology should be vetted and approved by the plaintiff ’s lawyers.
Ghanaian dancehall artiste Charles Nii Armah Mensah, known as Shatta Wale, has won two awards at the 43rd International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) held in Florida over the weekend.
He picked up the Best African Dancehall Entertainer award as well as Concert of the Year for ShattaFest.
In a statement, Shatta Wale’s management expressed appreciation to the organisers and supporters of the awards.
“Management would like to sincerely appreciate the organisers of the IRAWMA awards for the recognition and continuous support for African music on the global stage.
“We also extend our deepest gratitude to fans across the world, especially the Shatta Movement fraternity, for their unwavering support, votes, and dedication throughout the years,” the statement said.
The statement added that the latest wins reaffirm the artiste’s position as one of Africa’s leading musical exports and a prominent figure in global dancehall culture.
The awards bring Shatta Wale’s total haul at the IRAWMA to 11, highlighting his continued presence on the international reggae and dancehall scene.
At last year’s edition, he won three awards: Best African Dancehall Entertainer, Best Music Video for “Killa Ji Mi”, and Best Crossover Song for “Commando” featuring Bounty Killer. -GNA
Legendary gospel artist Herty Ofori Borngreat is officially returning to the music scene after a 13-year hiatus, her management announced Wednesday.
The surprise announcement ends over a decade of absence from the music industry for the celebrated singer.
According to an official statement released by her management team, the upcoming comeback will feature a rollout of new music projects and various spirit-filled initiatives aimed at inspiring hope and connecting with believers globally.
“We are delighted to officially announce that Herty Ofori Borngreat is making a highly anticipated return to the gospel music scene,” the management team noted in a statement, expressing deep gratitude to fans and partners for their unwavering loyalty during her long absence.
They added, “We are confident that this comeback will be both impactful and memorable.”
Management has urged fans, the media, and the global gospel community to follow her official social media platforms for update.
No specific dates have been set for the first single, but updates are expected in the coming weeks.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
