Shatta Wale Backs UK Police Decision to Stop ShattaFest After Crowd Safety Concerns

Ghanaian dancehall star Shatta Wale has supported the decision by UK authorities to stop ShattaFest UK, saying the intervention may have prevented a more serious situation at the event.

The musician, who was scheduled to headline the Ghana Party in the Park/ShattaFest UK event at Copthall Playing Fields in North London on Saturday, August 1, 2026, said he was relieved that police stepped in after safety concerns emerged at the venue.

The event was halted following a crowd-related incident that left some attendees injured, with reports indicating that emergency services responded after tensions developed during attempts by patrons to access the venue.

Shatta Wale, in reacting to the cancellation, said the decision by authorities should not be viewed as a setback but as a necessary move to protect lives. According to him, allowing the programme to continue under the circumstances could have created a dangerous outcome.

The artiste also criticised aspects of the event organisation, suggesting that some arrangements were not handled properly ahead of the show.

He explained that while he was responsible for travelling to the United Kingdom for the performance, other responsibilities, including arrangements for his team’s travel, rested with the organisers.

“It was my part to move myself here and I came with my wife. It was your part to also get my team here,” Shatta Wale stated.

His comments come as attention remains focused on the events that led to the cancellation of ShattaFest UK 2026. Reports suggest that a situation near the entrance of the venue contributed to a sudden movement of the crowd as people attempted to enter the event grounds.

Several attendees were reportedly injured during the incident, with some receiving medical assistance at the scene.

Rather than blaming UK authorities for stopping the festival, Shatta Wale said he appreciated the police response, stressing that protecting attendees should be the priority whenever large public events are organised.

The dancehall artiste further argued that organisers must place public safety above financial interests, adding that no event should put lives at unnecessary risk.

His comments follow a statement from his management after the cancellation, which expressed regret over the incident and maintained that the safety of patrons, staff and performers remains the most important consideration.

Meanwhile, event organisers Akwaaba UK have rejected claims circulating online that people were stabbed or killed during the incident, describing such reports as inaccurate.