Sarkodie, born Michael Owusu Addo in Tema, Ghana, is a name synonymous with excellence in African music.
His journey from the streets of Tema to becoming one of Africa’s most celebrated musicians is a testament to his talent, resilience, and dedication to his craft.
His experiences growing up from the streets would later shape the themes of his music, which often reflect on social issues, personal growth, and the pursuit of success against all odds.
Any ardent follower of Ghanaian music obviously had their first taste of Sarkodie around 2005 through freestyle battles on local radio stations, especially, Adom FM Kasahari, and performances at local events.
His breakthrough came in 2009 with the release of his debut album, “Makye,” which featured hit singles like “Baby,” “Push,” and “Borga.” The album received widespread acclaim and established Sarkodie as a force to be reckoned with in the Ghanaian music scene.
Since his debut, Sarkodie has gone from strength to strength, releasing hit after hit and collaborating with some of the biggest names in African and international music. His versatility as an artiste is evident in his ability to seamlessly blend different musical styles, from hip-hop and highlife to afrobeats and dancehall. Sarkodie’s lyrical prowess, combined with his charismatic stage presence, has endeared him to fans across the globe.
One of Sarkodie’s most notable exploits is his relentless work ethic and dedication to his craft. He is known for his meticulous approach to songwriting and his commitment to delivering high-quality music consistently. This dedication has earned him respect from his peers and fans alike, cementing his status as a true icon of African music.
Sarkodie’s talent and hard work have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the numerous awards and accolades he has received throughout his career. He has won over 100 awards on and outside the continent among them including multiple Ghana Music Awards, BET Awards, MTV Africa Music Awards, and has been nominated for prestigious international awards such as the MOBO Awards and the All Africa Music Awards.
Perhaps one of Sarkodie’s most significant achievements is being the first African rapper to win the BET Award for Best International Act: Africa, a feat he accomplished in 2012 and has since repeated multiple times. This historic win not only solidified his status as a trailblazer in African music but also opened doors for other African artistes to gain recognition on the global stage.
Clearly, Sarkodie’s journey from the streets of Tema to becoming a global music icon is a huge feat. Through his music, he has not only entertained millions but also inspired a generation of young Africans to dream big and pursue their passions relentlessly. As Sarkodie continues to push boundaries and break new ground in the music industry, his legacy as one of Africa’s greatest musicians is assured.
About four days ago, Sarkodie released his new single “Brag” and it has shaken the continent.
Sarkodie’s “Brag” is a triumphant hip-hop anthem that showcases the Ghanaian rapper’s signature flow, lyrical prowess, and unapologetic confidence. “Brag” is a testament to Sarkodie’s reign as one of Africa’s most celebrated rappers, with a career spanning over two decades.
The song’s production, handled by certified hitmaker, Fortune Dane, sets the tone for Sarkodie’s boastful rhymes. The instrumentation is upbeat, with a bouncy beat and infectious percussion that complements Sarkodie’s energetic flow. The hook, sung by Sarkodie himself, is catchy and memorable, making it perfect for sing-alongs and live performances.
Lyrically, “Brag” is a masterclass in confident storytelling. Sarkodie delivers verse after verse of clever wordplay, witty one-liners, and authentic storytelling. He raps about his journey to success, from his humble beginnings to his current status as a continental icon. Sarkodie name-drops his numerous awards, sold-out shows, and collaborations with international acts, reinforcing his position as a trailblazer in African hip-hop.
Throughout the song, Sarkodie’s flow is effortless, with a natural cadence that makes the lyrics feel spontaneous and unscripted. His delivery is laced with a Ghanaian swag, as he effortlessly switches between English and Twi, his native language. This linguistic dexterity adds a layer of authenticity to his lyrics, making “Brag” a proud representation of African hip-hop culture.
One of the standout aspects of “Brag” is its unapologetic tone. Sarkodie is unafraid to boast about his achievements, and his confidence is infectious. He stated clearly that he has no competition on the African continent as A-list arts like Wizkid, Davido and Burna Boy are no match to him, and claimed only Kendrick and Cole are his biggest competition. Parts of the lyrics state; “Wizkid came and I was already doing it. When Davido started, I was improving it and then Odowgu (Burna Boy) came through Black Sherif to Asake, but I am still going, you thought I was losing it”.
He raps about his wealth, his influence, and his legacy, never once coming across as arrogant or entitled. Instead, his confidence feels earned, a testament to his hard work and dedication to his craft.
The snippets of videos he has dropped on the song complement the song’s themes of success and celebration. Shot in vibrant colors, the visuals are sleek and modern, capturing the essence of Sarkodie’s toper lifestyle.
Already, several budding rappers on the continent, including Dremo, a former signee to Davido, have jumped on the song in an attempt to register their rap dexterity and debunk some of the arguments Sarkodie made on the “Brag” in an attempt to defend his boss, while other rappers, like Lyrical Joe, CJ Biggerman and Wan Nana have also jumped on it to ‘defend’ Sarkodie.
It appears the song has rekindled the sublime battle between Nigeria and Ghana, and music enthusiasts cannot wait to see how it ends. If you haven’t already, add “Brag” to your playlist and experience the magic of Sarkodie’s storytelling.
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Writer: Daniel Fenyi
The writer is a licensed counselor, professional writer and conference speaker who guides the youth through his writings. If you have any concerns, reach him via email [email protected]
