He tried, but didn’t connect — Fans react to Shatta Wale’s performance in Jamaica

Shatta Wale’s surprise appearance at the Freedom Street Concert in Jamaica has become a hot topic across social media, with fans sharing a spectrum of opinions about his performance.

The concert, a tribute to Jamaican dancehall icon Vybz Kartel following his release from prison after a decade, was a significant moment for the dancehall community.

The event, held in Kingston, featured an impressive lineup of both local and international stars, including Spice, Skillibeng, Chronic Law, Popcaan, and Busta Rhymes.

As the only African artist to perform, Shatta Wale brought a distinct flavour to the night, showcasing his passion for bridging the worlds of African and Jamaican dancehall.

Social media quickly picked up on the mixed reception, with some fans commending Shatta Wale’s courage and representation of Africa, while others questioned the lack of connection between his music and the crowd.

“Shatta Wale’s music is fire, but I don’t think the crowd connected because they aren’t familiar with his songs. Jamaican fans are loyal to their own,” one fan shared.

However, others defended the Ghanaian star, with a user tweeting, “He deserves credit for showing up and representing Africa on such a big stage. It’s not easy to perform for a new audience.”

MyNewsGH has sampled some of the commentaries, as seen below: