Most Ghanaian Artistes Don’t Know How to Dress – Papi of 5Five Fame

Papi of 5Five fame has taken aim at the fashion sense of today’s Ghanaian musicians, arguing that many of them fail to express their individuality through style.

“None of the current crop of Ghanaian artistes know how to dress,” Papi mentioned during a recent interview. He did not hold back, insisting that the majority of young musicians rely too heavily on online trends instead of cultivating a look that complements their personality and brand.

Highlighting what he sees as an exception, Papi pointed to Dancehall star Shatta Wale. “Shatta understands how to present himself, and his style reflects the Dancehall culture he represents. But people criticise him without seeing the context. It frustrates me because many of these critics don’t even know how to dress themselves,” he said.

Papi argued that the problem stems from a lack of originality among newer artistes. “They just copy what they see online instead of wearing what actually suits them,” he explained. “Shatta has a distinct style, and that’s consistent with the musical space he occupies. That’s why his fashion should be understood, not dismissed.”

He also addressed public commentary around Shatta Wale’s jewellery, dismissing claims that the artiste’s chains are made from aluminium rather than genuine VVS diamonds. According to Papi, such criticisms are born out of limited exposure to luxury items. “People who make these claims often haven’t had access to luxury, so they can’t recognise authenticity when they see it,” he said.

Throughout the interview, Papi stressed that fashion is an extension of identity and artistry. “Dressing well is not just about wearing expensive brands; it’s about understanding what complements you as an individual and as a musician,” he noted.

He concluded by reiterating that much of the negativity surrounding Shatta Wale’s style is rooted in bias rather than objective assessment. “Shatta is a Dancehall artiste, and if you pay attention to that space, there’s a distinct style that comes with it. But because there’s so much hatred in Ghana, people choose to see things differently,” Papi stated.

With his candid observations, Papi has reignited discussions about fashion and personal branding in Ghana’s music industry, challenging artistes to develop their own style rather than follow fleeting trends.