Shatta Wale, the ever-controversial Ghanaian dancehall music star, is pulling out of the nation’s most elite awards scheme for musicians, the Ghana Music Awards–for life.

The shock-announcement arrives a day after he issued a public apology for his contribution to the on-stage scuffle that ensues between members of his entourage and Stonebwoy’s at this year’s edition, resulting in the latter brandishing an assault weapon.

Both acts were arrested and arraigned before court. They have since been granted bail.

“Upon sober reflections of events in recent times and having made broader consultations, I wish to announce that I will not be part of the Ghana Music Awards scheme going forward,” he posted on social media on the morning of Thursday, May 23.

This is not the first time the “My Level” man is recusing himself from the scheme. Since 2013, he has had a back-and-forth with Charter House, organisers of the scheme. Last year for example, a 4-year ban on Wale (born Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jnr.) was lifted on him. The singer has in the past, also been involved in a legal tussle with the events outfit.

It is unclear what specifically has necessitated Wale’s decision to pull out of the scheme, though critics speculate that it may have risen from public outcry on the singer’s conduct at the ceremony.

On that fateful morning, when Stonebwoy had gone up the podium to receive the trophy for Reggae/ Dancehall Artist of the Year, which he had just emerged winner of, Shatta Wale, in the company of a dozen hangers-on, charging towards the stage too. And though it is reported the Shatta Movement frontman was going to congratulate his arc-rival, the gesture led to a punch-up, leaving multiple people injured and marring the event, which was the 20th year it was being staged.

More soon…