A JoyNews Research analysis has revealed that about 400,000 fans turned up at Ghana’s Independence Square and its environs for Shatta Wale’s ShattaFest 2025, making it one of the largest outdoor concerts in the country’s recent history.
According to the research, the concert, which was planned in just 13 days, recorded attendance far beyond the projected figures submitted to authorities for clearance.
Gates opened at 4:00 PM, and by 8:00 PM, the venue was nearing capacity, forcing security to manage an overflow of enthusiastic patrons.
Organisers had anticipated a maximum of 100,000 attendees, but the reality on the ground was a crowd estimated to be three to four times larger.
Using aerial imagery, drone footage, and on-ground crowd density mapping, JoyNews Research estimated that about 250,000 people filled the main Independence Square, with an additional 100,000 occupying the adjoining streets and open spaces.
Extending the analysis to the outer peripheries, particularly the Osu, Tema Station, nearby beaches, and stadium areas, the data shows total crowd could be as high as 400,000.
Shatta Wale’s Media and Public Relations Manager, Sammy Flex, described the turnout as a staggering surprise that went far beyond the team’s expectations.
“We didn’t anticipate the huge numbers at all. They filled the entire square, the stands, and even spilled into the streets. The drone shots captured people stretching from the stadium area all the way to Osu and Tema Station. The whole place was packed,” he revealed.
Despite the overwhelming attendance, the event was largely incident-free, thanks to emergency and safety measures put in place. Sammy Flex revealed that ambulances and five emergency vehicles were stationed on site, and Ghana Fire Service personnel intermittently sprayed water to cool the crowd when heat levels rose.
“When the heat got intense, I asked the Fire Service to sprinkle water on the fans. Thankfully, there were no major incidents,” he said.
He credited the swift organisation and teamwork for the success of the concert, emphasising that the event was conceived and executed within less than two weeks.
“We planned everything in just 13 days; the decision, preparation, everything. To see it turn out this successful shows that God truly used Shatta to bless the whole nation,” Sammy Flex noted.
For many fans and industry watchers, ShattaFest 2025 was more than a music event; it was a celebration of love, loyalty, and unity between Shatta Wale and his fan base, the Shatta Movement (SM).
Social media has since been flooded with videos and tributes praising the energy and organisation behind the historic show. As congratulatory messages continue to pour in, both Shatta Wale and his team have expressed deep gratitude to fans for making the event a resounding success.