Ghanaian dancehall artiste Shatta Wale has offered a glimpse into the sheer size of his music catalogue, revealing that he has recorded more than 11,000 songs over the course of his career.
The musician made the revelation during a podcast conversation with rapper YPee, explaining that a significant portion of his extensive catalogue has never made it onto mainstream streaming services.
Shatta Wale said his music output dates back to his early days in Nima, where he operated a personal website that housed many of the songs he had recorded at the time.
He explained that while some of those older tracks may not appear when searched for on platforms such as Apple Music, they can still be found online through a simple Google search.
“Recently, when we did the calculation of the estimated number of songs I have, it’s like 11,000-plus songs. They’re not all on one platform. Those days when I was at Nima, I had a website where I packed a lot of songs there.
“Some of the songs, when you search on Apple Music, you won’t see them, but when you Google them, you will find them,” he said.
According to Shatta Wale, his unusually large body of work is partly the result of having the freedom to create and release music whenever he felt inspired, without having to seek approval from anyone.
“With me, because I wasn’t controlled by anybody, when I make a song and I feel it’s nice, then I release it. Most of the songs have given me good feedback,” he stated.
He also disclosed that recording remains a regular part of his routine, although his output depends heavily on his mood and inspiration. On some days, he can complete as many as five songs in one session.
“I’ve recorded a lot, and I record almost every day. It’s not like I just record for people to see that I’m recording; I record when I feel like it. I can record like five songs when I’m in the mood for it,” he disclosed.
Despite his frequent recording sessions, the musician said he can also go for several months without stepping into the studio, particularly when other responsibilities take priority.
“Sometimes too, for like three months, I wouldn’t even go close to my computer. Those are the times you will see me driving in town, going for meetings and doing other things,” he said.
The size of his catalogue has also created an unusual problem for the musician himself. Shatta Wale admitted that he occasionally forgets some of the songs he recorded years ago.
He said hearing an old track can quickly bring back the lyrics and memories associated with it, but there are instances when he needs help identifying his own music during performances.
“I can perform most of the songs from years ago. Sometimes, when it’s played for once and I listen, then I remember it. When it’s been a long time and it’s played, I may forget the lyrics. Sometimes, when I’m performing on stage, Vyrusky can play a song, and I will go and ask him, ‘Whose song is that?’” Shatta Wale further stated.
Watch his statement below.
