Two dancehall rivals turn allies: Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy make major donations to Black Stars World Cup Fund

Ghanaian musicians Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy put aside their long-standing rivalry on Friday, March 20, 2026, to make significant contributions to the Black Stars’ World Cup fundraising campaign at a star-studded event in Accra.

The fundraising ceremony, held at the Kempinski Hotel, brought together top government officials, football administrators, and creative industry personalities to rally support for Ghana’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico .

Stonebwoy’s Contribution

Stonebwoy, whose real name is Livingstone Etse Satekla, announced a donation of $81,000 in cash** to the World Cup Fund. Additionally, the award-winning dancehall artist revealed he has invested **$20,000 to produce a new song dedicated to the Black Stars as they prepare for the global tournament .

“In terms of contribution, I will be donating $81,000,” Stonebwoy stated during his speech at the fundraising event .

The musician, known for his close relationship with Black Stars midfielder Mohammed Kudus, has previously recorded a tribute song following Kudus’ transfer from West Ham United to Tottenham Hotspur .

Shatta Wale’s Pledge

Shatta Wale, born Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr., pledged $100,000 to the fundraising committee, announcing that his donation comes on behalf of his business ventures, including Hotwav and Shaxi .

“I was like, alright, I will be there, so I just came, and we had a chat. But now, what I’m seeing with companies and everybody supporting, including His Excellency, I just want to say from my team to the Black Stars, we are donating $100,000,” Shatta Wale said to loud cheers from the audience .

He encouraged other Ghanaians to contribute, stating, “So if anyone wants to donate, please do it because we need more money for the Black Stars” .

A Moment of Reconciliation

The event, which was attended by President John Dramani Mahama, Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams, and Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku, witnessed a remarkable moment of unity between the two dancehall giants .

President Mahama personally requested that Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale embrace on stage, a symbolic gesture that moved the audience. Berla Mundi, one of the event’s MCs, announced: “Mr President says that Stonebwoy and Shatta Wale should hug on stage at this moment. This is a request from Mr President” .

The two artists, whose rivalry dates back to a well-documented altercation at the 2019 Ghana Music Awards, obliged with a warm embrace, patting each other’s backs as the crowd cheered enthusiastically .

Broader Fundraising Efforts

The donations form part of a wider government initiative to sponsor Ghanaian supporters to travel to the World Cup. Sports Minister Kofi Adams has indicated that the number of fans the government will sponsor will depend entirely on the funds raised through such contributions .

Major corporate contributions have also been announced, with mining firm Engineers & Planners committing $5 million**, while Gold Fields pledged **$2 million with an additional $1 million for next year .

The government has also launched a national raffle, allowing Ghanaians to contribute by dialling *899# for a chance to win travel packages to the tournament .

World Cup Outlook

Ghana has been drawn in Group L for the 2026 World Cup alongside England, Croatia, and Panama. The Black Stars will open their campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto .

The fundraising committee, chaired by Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Ampem Nyarko, continues to receive contributions as Ghana prepares for its fifth World Cup appearance .

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