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Waakye Talks Career, Marriage, Ministry With Giovani
Veteran comic actor, Prince “Waakye” Yawson, has lifted his ban on speaking to the media.
In a rare interview with 3 FM’s Giovani Caleb, several months after a self-imposed exile from the press, the actor, screenwriter, and now, pastor-in-training, has looked back on his illustrious career, current trends in comedy, as well as his life as a minister of the gospel.
Discussing his road into ministry, Waakye recounted how, over several years, he kept getting messages from men of God, that he was destined to be a preacher.
“It started right here [TV3]. A lady told me that a man of God had told her to tell me that God wants me to work for Him[…] Then, Anytime I go to church, the pastor would call me, in front of the congregation, and tell me:’ look, God wants you to work for Him.’ It continued for a long time–[and] I kept changing churches; and every church I go [sic] to…same message.”
Waakye submitted to Giovani that this caused him to avoid going to church, in his quest to avoid such messages and the pressures thereof. Following that, “certain things kept happening,” compelling him to finally heed to the call.
Currently, single, an introverted Waakye indicated his desire to get married again, as it is required of pastors.
“As a man of God or as a preacher, you have to marry–and since you are a man, you have the urge to meet a woman. If you do that outside marriage, it’s something else, because the Bible tells us to flee from sexual sins. Even if you are married and you sleep with another woman outside your wife [sic], it’s also sin. So, why shouldn’t I marry, so that whenever I have the urge to meet with any woman, I can do so?”
Intrigued, Giovani probed: “so you’re marrying because of sex?”
“No, marriage is not about sex,” Waakye clarified. “Marriage is about friendship. You need someone to jaw-jaw with.”
Asked if he is seeing someone, Waakye replied in the negative, assuring though, that it will happen when the time is right.
Waakye also bemoaned the current state of the movie industry, conceding that it’s suffering, due to a lack of structures, the menace of piracy, as well as the “, push him down syndrome.” He also lamented the current trends in comedies, troubled at how the culture of insults has replaced true comedic performance.
On what roles he missed playing, Waakye cited his “house boy,” recounting fondly how it allowed him to freely express his creativity.
He would still accept movie roles today but favors priestly roles.
Touching on the nuggets for success, Waakye emphasized the place of modesty: “In everything, you need to respect. Humility is everything. If you’re the best, and you’re not humble, forget it, because, no matter how high you go, if you don’t respect; if you’re not humble, you’ll be brought down–so humility is everything.”
Waakye hails from Ekumfi Otuam and first broke to mainstream fame via TV drama series “Obra”. He has also appeared in popular films like Ogboo and Man Woman.
Bnoskka analyzed the Shatta Wale concert in Jamaica with Vybz Kartel. It was a sunny evening in Kingston, Jamaica, as the crowd gathered at the famous Sabina Park stadium, eagerly awaiting the highly anticipated concert featuring Ghana’s dancehall king, Shatta Wale.
Sharing the stage with him was the talented Vybz Kartel, a Jamaican reggae artist known for his soulful voice and energetic performances. As the lights dimmed, Shatta Wale burst onto the stage, his signature energetic vibe electrifying the crowd. With his trademark braids flying, he launched into his hit song “Ayoo,” sending the audience into a frenzy. Vibe Catel joined him on stage, and together they delivered a thrilling performance, blending their unique styles to create an unforgettable experience.
Back in Ghana, Bnoskka, a respected music industry expert, and a lecturer at the University of Education, Winneba also the CEO of PMAGHANA Foundation watched the concert unfold on social media, beaming with pride. “Shatta Wale has come a long way,” he thought to himself. “It’s about time he starts branding himself as a highlife artist.” Bnoskka believed that Shatta Wale’s unique sound, which blended elements of dancehall, reggae, and traditional Ghanaian highlife, was a perfect representation of the genre.
By embracing his highlife roots, Shatta Wale could not only revitalize the genre but also inspire a new generation of young artists to explore their cultural heritage.
Bnoskka shared his thoughts during an interview on Adom 106.3FM’s popular show, hosted by Mike 2, on Saturday, January 4, 2025. “It’s time for Shatta Wale to take ownership of his highlife sound and use his platform to promote Ghanaian music globally,” Bnoskka exclaimed. “He has the talent, the charisma, and the fan base to make it happen. By doing so, he’ll not only cement his legacy as a music icon but also pave the way for future generations of Ghanaian artists.”
As Shatta Wale and Vybz Kartel brought their electrifying performance to a close, the crowd roared with applause, already eagerly anticipating their next collaboration.
Meanwhile, Bnoskka’s words echoed in the minds of music enthusiasts, sparking a renewed appreciation for Ghana’s rich musical heritage and the incredible talent of its artists.
Ghanaian Reggae Dancehall artist, Tillie Gya, has come to the defense of Shatta Wale following his performance at Vybz Kartel’s Freedom concert. While some fans, particularly those of Stonebwoy, have been mocking Shatta Wale’s performance, Tillie Gya believes this is uncalled for. According to him, Shatta Wale’s inclusion in the concert is a big win for Ghana and Africa, and should be celebrated.
Tillie Gya took to social media to express his disappointment at the behavior of some Stonebwoy fans. He believes that fan bases in Ghana should know when to celebrate and when to compete. Instead of mocking Shatta Wale, fans should be proud of his achievement and the fact that he is putting Ghana on the map.
The debate highlights the intense rivalry between Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy, two of Ghana’s biggest Reggae Dancehall artists. However, Tillie Gya’s comments serve as a reminder that there is room for all artists to shine and make Ghana proud. By celebrating each other’s successes, Ghanaian artists can work together to take the music industry to the next level.
Tillie Gya’s defense of Shatta Wale has sparked a conversation about the need for unity and support among Ghanaian artists and their fans. As the music industry continues to grow, it is essential for fans to recognize and celebrate the achievements of all artists, regardless of their affiliations or rivalries.
Music: Regina Botwe – Afe Wei [Prod. by The Boss PI]
Oheneba Grande – Dw3 (Prod By Quab Sea)
I Quit Schooling Because Of Music – Mary Owusu
Bnoskka Urges Shatta Wale to Embrace His High Life Music Roots by Rebranding
