Shatta Wale has explained that throwing money into crowds during public appearances is sometimes a security measure rather than an attempt to show off his wealth.
The dancehall musician said the gesture can help distract crowds and create an opportunity for him to move safely.
“Sometimes it’s even for security reasons that we do it. We get to places, and the crowd needs something to distract them so we can move. It’s not about me throwing money to show off,” he told Serwaa Amihere on GHOne TV.
Shatta Wale said he recently learnt that the practice had become a concern and decided to stop doing it.
“I recently heard that throwing money is an issue. I said, ‘Cool, you guys are even helping me. I won’t be throwing money anywhere again,’” he stated.
Serwaa Amihere questioned the practice, particularly when people in the crowd may be struggling financially.
“But why do you have to throw the money to them if you see people suffering?
“If you want to help me, why don’t you hand the money to me?
“Why do they need to throw it into the air for people to be all over the place and get hurt in the process trying to take the money?” she asked, describing the practice as “very arrogant.”
Shatta Wale, however, said his intention is sometimes simply to help people around him.
“Sometimes you go to places, and I feel, ‘Okay, let me just help. Let me just do something for these people,’” he added.
