Ghanaian media entrepreneur NanaYaw Wiredu said the recent social media incident involving musician Mr Drew would not have occurred under his supervision. Speaking on Woezor TV’s Breakfast Café, Wiredu referred to the singer’s heated exchange with a participant during an X Space discussion that escalated after the participant addressed him as “chale.”
Wiredu explained that artists he manages receive training on how to speak on television, participate in radio interviews and respond when provoked. “Because you don’t want to put somebody off by saying the wrong thing,” he added.
The confrontation began when Mr Drew objected to being called “chale,” insisting that differences in age, social status and financial standing should command respect. The participant challenged the singer’s response, claiming he was not an A‑list artiste, and the exchange turned into a back‑and‑forth of insults with Mr Drew threatening to block the participant.
Wiredu, founder and creative director of Oneplay Africa, said that artiste development involves more than producing hit songs; it also requires preparing musicians to handle public attention and maintain a good relationship with their audience.
He highlighted his free online Music Master Series launched in September 2023, aimed at helping emerging entertainment executives understand the business side of the music industry. Wiredu has managed artists such as Nana Yaa, D‑Flex and Mzbel, and worked on events like Ghana Meets Naija.
Mr Drew later clarified that his outburst was directed at trolls rather than genuine fans, but the incident sparked criticism on social media, with some users questioning the musician’s response and others arguing that artistes should be treated respectfully during online interactions.
Wiredu’s comments underscore the importance of media training in artiste development, helping artists communicate effectively during interviews and manage difficult questions without escalating disagreements.
