BY Daniel Bampoe
Ghanaian dancehall star Shatta Wale has added two more international honours to his growing list of achievements after emerging victorious at the 43rd edition of the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) held in Florida, United States.
The award-winning musician secured victories in the categories of Best African Dancehall Entertainer and Concert of the Year for his popular music festival, ShattaFest.
The latest triumph has once again sparked conversations among music fans about Shatta Wale’s influence and standing within the global dancehall scene, with many supporters describing the achievement as further proof of his international appeal.
In a statement released after the ceremony, Shatta Wale’s management expressed appreciation to the organisers of the IRAWMA Awards for consistently recognising African music and providing a global platform for artists from the continent.
The team also thanked fans across the world, particularly members of the Shatta Movement fanbase, for their unwavering support and active participation throughout the voting process.
According to the statement, the double victory reflects the musician’s continued impact on the international music scene and reinforces his reputation as one of Africa’s leading dancehall artistes.
The management further described the awards as recognition of years of dedication, consistency and hard work invested into promoting Ghanaian and African music globally.
ShattaFest, which won Concert of the Year, has over the years evolved into one of the biggest music events, attracting thousands of fans annually and featuring performances from both local and international artistes.
The concert has become a major part of Shatta Wale’s brand and a key event for supporters of the Shatta Movement, often drawing massive crowds and generating significant social media attention.
Shatta Wale’s latest international recognition comes at a time when African dancehall and Afrobeats musicians continue to gain increasing visibility on the world stage.
Known for hit songs such as “On God,” “Melissa,” “Already” with Beyoncé, and “Ayoo,” the musician has built a strong following both in Ghana and internationally.
Over the years, he has consistently positioned himself as one of Africa’s most outspoken and influential entertainers, with a career marked by chart-topping releases, sold-out concerts and numerous industry awards.
The International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) remains one of the globally recognised platforms celebrating reggae, dancehall and world music artistes who have contributed significantly to the growth of the genre.
Shatta Wale’s double win at the 2026 edition further strengthens the presence on the international reggae and dancehall scene and highlights the growing global appreciation for African music and culture.
