In Ghana’s entertainment industry, talent alone has never been enough. Careers are often shaped and sometimes shattered by moments of controversy. From explosive public feuds and legal troubles to moral debates and industry bans, scandals have repeatedly altered the paths of some of Ghana’s biggest artists. While some were crushed under the weight of public backlash, others used controversy as fuel, reinventing themselves and emerging stronger.
This throwback takes a deep dive into the major scandals that redefined the careers of Ghanaian artists, exploring what really happened, how the public reacted, and whether the moments ultimately lifted or damaged their legacies.
Shatta Wale — The VGMA Ban That Reinvented a Rebel
Few Ghanaian musicians have turned controversy into power like Shatta Wale. In 2019, tensions between the dancehall star and the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) reached a boiling point. After publicly accusing the awards scheme of bias and corruption, Shatta Wale was banned indefinitely alongside Stonebwoy following a chaotic on-stage confrontation.
For many artists, a VGMA ban would have been career-ending. Radio stations reduced airplay, corporate brands hesitated, and industry gatekeepers closed ranks. But Shatta Wale responded by rejecting industry validation altogether. He doubled down on his street identity, released music independently, and strengthened his relationship with his fan base, the Shatta Movement.
Ironically, the ban freed him from industry dependence. Within months, he landed a global spotlight through Beyoncé’s The Lion King: The Gift project, proving international recognition didn’t require local approval. The scandal didn’t destroy Shatta Wale it redefined him as an anti-establishment force.
Impact: Career lifted
Lesson: Controversy can empower artists who control their audience.
Stonebwoy — From Scandal to Redemption
The same 2019 VGMA incident also affected Stonebwoy, but in a very different way. His moment of pulling a gun on stage, later explained as self-defense, sparked outrage and fear. Unlike Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy’s brand had always leaned toward peace, humility, and global respectability.
The backlash was swift. Critics questioned his judgment, sponsors paused deals, and the industry scrutinized his image. However, Stonebwoy took a calculated path to redemption. He issued public apologies, embraced reconciliation, and focused on music diplomacy rather than conflict.
Over time, he returned stronger, winning awards, expanding his global reach, and re-establishing himself as one of Ghana’s most respected musical exports.
Impact: Temporary setback, long-term growth
Lesson: Accountability and restraint can repair reputational damage.
Castro — Fame, Mystery, and a Career Frozen in Time
At the peak of his career, Castro the Destroyer was one of Ghana’s most in-demand hitmakers, known for chart-topping collaborations with artists like Asamoah Gyan. However, in July 2014, his career came to a sudden and haunting halt after he mysteriously disappeared during a jet ski accident at Ada Estuary.
The tragedy shocked the nation. Unlike a traditional scandal, the incident was surrounded by rumors, unanswered questions, and emotional speculation. With no body recovered, Castro was declared legally dead years later. His disappearance instantly ended a flourishing career, turning him into a permanent “what-if” figure in Ghanaian music history.
Impact: Career abruptly ended
Lesson: Some turning points are irreversible and tragic.
Mzbel — Bold Feminism vs Industry Backlash
Mzbel has never been afraid to challenge Ghana’s conservative culture. In the early 2000s, her outspoken personality, revealing fashion, and sexually expressive lyrics sparked controversy that overshadowed her undeniable talent.
She faced radio blacklisting, moral criticism, and industry isolation, with some labeling her music “immoral.” However, Mzbel refused to conform. Over time, she transitioned from musician to media personality and feminist voice, using her platform to advocate for women’s freedom and self-expression.
While controversy limited her mainstream airplay, it expanded her cultural influence beyond music.
Impact: Music career constrained, public influence expanded
Lesson: Cultural defiance often comes with a price.
Kwaw Kese — Arrests, Jail Time, and Street Credibility
Kwaw Kese’s career has been repeatedly shaped by controversy, most notably his multiple arrests and legal troubles, including a widely publicized drug-related arrest in 2014.
While critics saw recklessness, many fans viewed him as a victim of systemic targeting. The legal battles temporarily stalled his music output but strengthened his image as a fearless, anti-system voice. Kwaw Kese embraced the controversy, releasing music that reflected rebellion and survival.
Though the setbacks cost him endorsements and radio support, they also deepened his authenticity in the eyes of street fans.
Impact: Career disrupted but identity strengthened
Lesson: Legal controversy can polarize an artist’s legacy.
Sarkodie — The “Try Me” Response to Pregnancy Rumor That Shook His Image
Sarkodie is often viewed as controversy-proof, disciplined, private, and calculated. But in 2023, his release of “Try Me”, widely believed to reference a failed relationship with actress Yvonne Nelson, triggered a massive debate, which was described as a diss song to Yvonne Nelson.
Yvonne Nelson confirmed she was pregnant with Sarkodie and had an abortion after feeling abandoned in her "I Am Not Yvonne Nelson" book. Social media erupted. For the first time, Sarkodie faced intense criticism over personal responsibility, gender expectations, and emotional accountability.
While the controversy didn’t derail his career musically, it shifted public perception. Sarkodie was no longer just the flawless rap king; he became human, flawed, and controversial. Interestingly, the scandal sparked deeper lyrical maturity in his later work.
Impact: Image dented, career stable
Lesson: Even silent artists are vulnerable to personal scandals.
Yvonne Nelson — Motherhood, Abortion, and Speaking Out
Yvonne Nelson’s career transformation didn’t come from one scandal, but from breaking the silence. Once known for glamorous movie roles, her public revelation about single motherhood and abortion challenged Ghana’s conservative norms.
While some praised her bravery, others condemned her honesty. Producers distanced themselves, and public opinion became polarized. But Yvonne refused to retreat. Instead, she transitioned into activism, authorship, and social commentary, expanding her influence beyond acting.
What many called a scandal became self-liberation.
Impact: Acting roles declined, influence expanded
Lesson: Controversy can evolve an artist into a cultural voice.
Afia Schwarzenegger — When Controversy Becomes the Brand
Afia Schwarzenegger’s career is built almost entirely on scandal. From leaked videos to explosive family feuds and celebrity insults, she turned public outrage into relevance.
However, while controversy made her popular, it also limited her professional ceiling. Corporate brands avoided long-term association, and serious industry roles became scarce. Afia remained visible but unstable.
Her story shows the double-edged nature of scandal: visibility without sustainability.
Impact: Popularity maintained, credibility weakened
Lesson: Scandal without strategy traps artists in chaos.
Nana Ama McBrown — A Scandal She Never Had
Interestingly, Nana Ama McBrown’s career illustrates the absence of scandal. In an industry plagued by controversy, her clean image, resilience through health struggles, and emotional openness made her one of Ghana’s most trusted entertainers.
Her success proves that avoiding scandal can be a powerful brand strategy, especially for longevity.
Impact: Career steadily elevated
Lesson: Consistency can outperform controversy.
Wendy Shay — ‘Uber Driver’ and the Respect Debate
When Wendy Shay burst onto the Ghanaian music scene under RuffTown Records, her rise was meteoric but so was the controversy. In 2018, shortly after Ebony Reigns’ death, Wendy Shay was accused of imitating Ebony’s style and trying to replace her. The backlash intensified when her hit song “Uber Driver” sparked debates about morality, lyrics, and respect for women in music.
Critics labeled her music provocative and accused her of lacking originality, while some radio stations reportedly limited airplay due to public pressure. Social media became brutal, with Wendy Shay facing intense trolling and emotional attacks.
Instead of backing down, she leaned into resilience. Over time, she refined her sound, delivered consistent hits, and rebuilt public trust. Songs like Survivor symbolized her emotional endurance, turning criticism into strength.
Impact: Early backlash, long-term career growth
Lesson: Perseverance can outlast public outrage.
Moesha Buduong — From Fame to Fallout
Moesha Buduong’s rise was fueled by a single controversial interview where she openly discussed transactional relationships. The backlash was global, painting her as both symbol and scapegoat of moral decay.
While the controversy gave her instant fame, it also boxed her into a stereotype that proved difficult to escape. Later personal struggles highlighted how controversy can consume rather than empower.
Impact: Short-term fame, long-term damage
Lesson: Viral controversy needs emotional and professional safeguards.
Funny Face — Mental Health and Public Meltdown
Comedian Funny Face experienced one of the most painful public downfalls. His emotional breakdowns, legal troubles, and social media rants turned public sympathy into concern.
Unlike traditional scandals, his situation sparked conversations about mental health in entertainment. While his career paused, public empathy grew, and his gradual recovery has been met with support.
Impact: Career paused, humanity amplified
Lesson: Not all scandals are moral failures; some are health crises.
What These Scandals Reveal About Ghana’s Industry
Across music, film, and comedy, one truth stands out: scandals don’t affect artists equally. The outcome depends on:
Fan loyalty
Media framing
Personal accountability
Emotional resilience
Strategic response
Some artists fall permanently. Others rise higher than before.
Conclusion: Scandal as a Career Crossroad
In Ghana’s entertainment industry, scandal is not just a moment; it’s a crossroads. It can destroy reputations, redefine identities, or unlock unexpected growth. The difference lies in how artists respond when the spotlight turns harsh.
Talent may open the door, but character, strategy, and resilience determine who survives the fire.