Tinny helped me when I was broke -Shatta Wale

Ghanaian dancehall star Charles Nii Armah Mensah, better known as Shatta Wale, has shared how the legendary Hip-Life artist Tinny played a crucial role during his tough times.

In an emotional conversation on the Time with Hammer podcast on December 16, 2024, Shatta Wale opened up about his first encounter with Tinny and how the seasoned artist helped turn his life around.

“Tinny met me in Labadi when I was struggling, living with friends on the streets. He listened to my music and came searching for me at my house. That was like my second breakthrough,” Shatta Wale recalled. “One day, I was home when someone came to tell me Tinny was looking for me. Everyone had already gathered outside, and I heard him call my name from his car, asking me to come closer. I thought to myself, ‘Am I really that important?’”

Shatta Wale explained how Tinny’s presence in his life marked a turning point in his career.

“He took me to the studio, and from then on, he became like a godfather to me. Tinny was the only person who supported me when I was broke. When the Blackberry first came out, he bought one for me and even sent me things from America. There were times he would give me like $500, sometimes $1000. Back then, I used to smoke a lot, so I would use the money for that. But now that I’ve got my own money, I hardly smoke anymore.”

He went on to say how Tinny’s support wasn’t just financial. “Tinny took care of me. I was comfortable, and he made sure I wasn’t misusing what he gave me. When I met my first girlfriend, he even gave her money because I didn’t have anything at the time. When I think of the Ghanaian artists who truly helped me survive, it’s Tinny, and I’ll always show him respect,” Shatta Wale added.

“I still owe him to this day, and I really want to do something special for him. I often call him and tell him I’m working hard, hoping that one day I can show my gratitude.”