“Half A Loaf Came for Me, Not Saani” — Ismael Walad Drops Explosive Revelation (+VIDEO)

Ghanaian musician Ismael Walad has revealed how his commitment to education and parental expectations cost him a major recording opportunity that could have altered the trajectory of his music career.

Speaking in an interview with Mr. Krouch on the Gbewaa Entertainment Chat, aired on Radio Tamale over the weekend, the artiste disclosed that he once received interest from Accra-based record label Half A Loaf, known for signing rapper Saani in 2016.

When asked about his educational background, Ismael Walad declined to go into details but stated clearly that he is a professional teacher. He explained that combining teaching with music has been challenging, describing formal education as one of the biggest obstacles to his musical journey.

According to the singer, his parents were firm on their stance that education must come first, making it clear that they would not support any path that diverted from schooling. “I had to obey them just to please them,” he said, adding that this decision played a critical role in his refusal to sign the deal.

Ismael Walad narrated that executives from Half A Loaf travelled from Accra to Tamale specifically to meet him with the intention of signing and relocating him to Accra. Despite promises of accommodation, a car, and full support to make him comfortable while working under the label, the artiste declined the offer, citing his admission into school and fees already paid.

He revealed that he attempted to negotiate a deal that would allow him to remain in Tamale while under contract, but the label insisted on relocation. In a final attempt to make the deal work, the label proposed signing both Ismael Walad and his friend Saani, who would rap while Ismael handled vocals, but the singer still turned it down.

Eventually, the label settled on Saani, who relocated to Accra and went on to build a successful music career. Ismael Walad said he has always encouraged Saani to make good use of the opportunity, noting that he did not want his friend to regret the path he chose.

Asked whether he regrets rejecting the deal, Ismael Walad said he has no regrets, although he admitted that, to some extent, he sometimes wonders what could have been. “I didn’t want to have issues with my parents,” he explained, emphasizing that pleasing them and focusing on his education was his priority at the time.

His revelation has since sparked conversations within the Northern music scene about the difficult choices artistes face between formal education and pursuing opportunities in the entertainment industry.

Watch exactly what Ismael Walad  said, via the video below;