Exclusive: Shatta Wale Donates Substantial Amount to Vybz Kartel’s APF

Ghanaian dancehall star Shatta Wale has made a substantial donation to the Jamaican icon’s newly launched foundation, saying, “When family is hurting, you don’t sit and watch - you stand up and help,” he told Kaboom Magazine

Shatta Wale with Vybz Kartel during the Freedom Street Concert (Photo: Jamar Cleary)

Ghanaian dancehall star Shatta Wale has made a substantial donation to Vybz Kartel’s Adidja Palmer Foundation, which was recently launched to intensify its relief efforts following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa.

A source close to the situation confirmed that the contribution was made to support people in need across Jamaica. Earlier this week, Wale also commented on Kartel’s post announcing the donation, prompting the Worl’ Boss to publicly thank him, saying, “On behalf of the people of Jamaica, thank you & God bless you.”

Speaking exclusively with Kaboom Magazine, Shatta Wale shared the motivation behind his decision to help, “Jamaica has always been family to me, and when family is hurting, you don’t sit and watch - you stand up and help. ", he said. "After seeing the damage from Hurricane Melissa, I felt it in my heart to support the Adidja Palmer Foundation and the work they’re doing for the people on the ground. This is not about fame or music - this is about real unity between Ghana and Jamaica.”

He added a message to those affected: “To everyone affected: stay strong, stay hopeful. Better days are coming, and we’re standing with you every step of the way.”

The gesture comes following the remix of Shatta Wale's “Street Crown” featuring Vybz Kartel, where the deejay injects the track with his signature lyrical depth, opening with a poetic and emotional salute to his African brothers and sisters: “Where many have fallen, a king was born. From the midst of darkness, light will come.”

The two artistes have long shared a cross-continental bond, proven by Shatta Wale’s appearance at Kartel’s historic Freedom Street comeback concert in Kingston on New Year’s Eve, while also comes amid rising excitement around a potential African tour for Kartel next year, with strong demand reported in Ghana, Kenya, and other regions.