Ed Sheeran enters jollof rice war as he controversially chooses Ghana’s version over Nigeria

Ed Sheeran has picked a side in the notorious Nigerian versus Ghanaian jollof rice war and, inevitably, he’s upset one country. 

The debate between which of the two West African nations makes the best version of jollof rice is age-old with generations upon generations claiming theirs is the most elite. 

Apparently a brave soul, Shape Of You hitmaker Ed weighed into the debate while chatting with Nigerian singer Yemi Alade backstage at Prince William’s Earthshot Prize Awards in London last night. 

In a video clip shared on Yemi’s Instagram, he’s heard telling her: ‘When we were in Ghana we were in with a bunch of Nigerians and we had a full on argument about which jollof was better.’ 

He then dropped the bombshell: ‘I think I prefer Ghanaian jollof… but I haven’t been to Nigeria yet so I’ll go and [try it].’ 

Reacting to his decision, one social media user joked: ‘His been chilling with stormzy for too long,’ referring to Ed’s bestie being of Ghanaian heritage. 

Jollof rice is a staple West African dish (Picture: Getty Images)

Another quipped: ‘Yemi Alade was soo heartbroken 🤣, but Ed Kwame Sheeran is speaking facts.’ 

Refusing to accept the singer’s answer, another joked: ‘He gave that statement under duress.’ 

However, another commentator was clearly over the ongoing debate and concluded: ‘I pray for the day my people are released from the shackles of this convo.’ 

Ed Sheeran is a brave soul (Picture: Getty Images)

So, what’s all the fuss about, you ask? Well, many of the ingredients between the two versions are the same, with tomato puree, scotch bonnets and onions among the basic must haves. However, the key point of contention comes down to the type of rice used. 

Many Nigerians tend to use standard easy cook rice, whereas most Ghanaians favour basmati rice. 

Which rice you opt for can really change the flavour hence the debate: does jollof rice taste better with easy cook or basmati aka Nigerian or Ghanaian? 

More: Ed Sheeran

Ultimately, it doesn’t really matter (it does) but it’s always fun to debate. 

It’s not the first time Ed has commented on the jollof war as he told The Sun back in 2019: ‘I’ve got to get back to Africa. After the tour I want to go and chill out there. I was in Ghana a few years back and I loved it. 

‘Now I need to go to Nigeria. I heard the jollof rice is really good there.’

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