Award-winning Ghanaian dancehall king, Shatta Wale, is once again setting the internet ablaze with a bold transformation. The self-acclaimed “Dancehall Commando” has debuted a brand new look—dreadlocks—which fans say is a throwback to his early “Bandana era” days.
Shatta Wale, formerly known as Bandana, first gained attention in the early 2000s with his hit song Moko Hoo. Back then, he was known for his rugged, street-inspired image, often flaunting dreadlocks and a fearless persona. Now in 2025, the SM boss has returned to those roots, reigniting nostalgia among die-hard fans and sparking massive reactions across the globe.
The unveiling of the new look was done in true Shatta fashion—loud, unapologetic, and trend-setting. In a series of viral photos and videos, Wale rocked his freshly grown dreadlocks with swagger, prompting massive buzz online.
Celebrities React — Vybz Kartel Leads The Charge
One of the biggest surprises came from Jamaican dancehall legend Vybz Kartel, who, despite being behind bars, somehow managed to share a message through his team, hailing Shatta Wale’s “return to roots.” According to sources close to the Worl’ Boss, Vybz sees the move as a “powerful statement of identity and legacy.”
Other celebrities, both local and international, have also joined in the praise. Ghanaian stars like Stonebwoy, Efya, and Medikal have reposted Wale’s new look on their stories, calling it “iconic,” “historic,” and “full circle.”
Fans Coin New Nicknames: “Shatta Marley”, “Lil Wale Baby”
As expected, the SM faithful didn’t miss a beat. Fans have already created new nicknames to match the dancehall king’s new image. Some of the most viral so far include:
“Shatta Marley” – a nod to reggae icon Bob Marley, symbolizing a deeper, more conscious version of Wale.
“Lil Wale Baby” – a playful mix referencing American rapper Lil Baby and the youthful energy Wale now radiates.
The hashtags #ShattaMarley and #LilWaleBaby are trending across Ghanaian Twitter (X), Instagram, and TikTok, with thousands of fans creating memes, reaction videos, and mashups of old Bandana clips side-by-side with his new look.
A New Era?
While it’s unclear whether this new appearance signals a shift in Shatta Wale’s musical direction, insiders believe a new album or EP may be on the way. The timing, the aesthetic, and the buzz all suggest that something big is cooking in the SM camp.
One thing is certain: Shatta Wale has once again proven he is the master of reinvention. From Bandana to Shatta Wale, and now Shatta Marley—he remains an ever-evolving force in African music.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story