Sarkodie: The Man, the Music, the Mystique, and the Melancholy

Sarkodie is undoubtedly one of Ghana’s most accomplished and proficient rappers to ever pick up a microphone. Hailing from Juaso, Sarkodie was born in Koforidua and spent most of his formative years in Tema. Sarkodie juggled his rap ambitions with a graphic design career, hustling hard to make a mark. He took his lyrical prowess from classrooms to street corners, competing in rap battles and appearing as a rap cameo in his quest to go mainstream. After several failed attempts to get noticed, the rapper had the opportunity to meet a few rappers and producers and to perform on the Ghana’s biggest rap battle show –  Adom FM’s “Kasahare Level”.

After many years of pushing the frontiers as an underground rapper, the time had finally come for some mainstream fame. Duncan William, the presenter of Kasahare level was a sturdy hand who helped guide the musician while day to day activities were taken care of by friends notably AngelTown. He recorded a highlife/Hiplife album with producer Sugar Tone but the project never saw a release as he was more drawn to hiphop. His desire drove him to sign on to The Last Two Music Group in January 2008. He featured on Edem’s “U dey Craze” with Kwaw Kesse produced by Hammer. On the back of that release he gained more popularity. Sarkodie felt it was opportune to work on and release his debut, however, his label boss was deeply engaged with the promotion of Edem’s project. The parties mutually agreed to part ways leading to a record deal with Duncwills Entertainment and his debut album – “Makye” in 2009 produced by Jayso and Killbeatz.

Sarkodie came up through the underground, and his battle skills and rap-fire delivery set him on an unstoppable upward trajectory as he rhymed mostly in Twi. Michael Owusu Addo, also became an integral part of a Ghanaian hip-hop scene that’s home to one of Africa’s largest roster of rappers. As the years progressed, so did Sarkodie’s abilities. His bars have become more clever and considered, full of acerbic wordplay and heartfelt, true-life stories. Today he is widely considered as the greatest rapper in Ghana with accolades too many to mention.

The Triumphs, Trophies, and Turbulence

In Ghana there is Cocoa, Gold, Oil and Sarkodie. Mention Landlord, Obidi, one time for your mind, or Kabutey and you will be referring to Ghana’s biggest music and cultural icon in recent recorded history. He is the highest profiled artiste and one of the most respected and revered in the sub region. With a career spanning about two decades, he has been a game-changing whirlwind of electrifying melodies and captivating style and flow. In Ghana’s history, rappers have risen, reigned and been resigned to books and rap royalty but Sarkodie has found a way to reign, rule and reside in the annals of history, re-inventing himself and remaining relevant over generations.

Sarkodie’s sound is a fizzing blend of hip hop, highlife, pop and authentic Ghanaian grown rhythms, which has led to sold-out shows at the Apollo Theatre, London’s O2, openings and collaborations with an impressive array of international artists such as T-Pain, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, R&B jewel Miguel and Bob Marley. He is perhaps the only artiste to have made huge national hits in every genre popular in Ghana, he has made hiplife, highlife, Reggea/Dancehall, Azonto, hiphop, afropop and pop hits. He is Ghana’s feature proponent and most featured, having worked with every artiste worth the sort in Ghana.

Sarkodie’s trophy cabinet is practically bursting at the seams, with a dazzling collection of awards that count well over 120. From the prestigious Ghana Music Awards to the International Act accolades, his haul is a testament to his monumental impact on the music scene. Among his international accolades are the BET Awards nods, which underscore his cross-continental appeal. But it’s not just the sheer number of awards that makes Sarkodie the biggest artiste in Ghana—it’s the quality and prestige of these honors. His ability to snag top awards while representing Ghana on global platforms solidifies his status as the undisputed king of the local music scene, making him the industry’s ultimate superstar with a crown that shines bright both at home and abroad.

To top the accolades, his fanbase -Sark Nation, is nothing short of a musical cult, embodying a fervor that could rival any devoted following in history. With a staggering social media following of 17,291,800, Sarkodie’s influence is a digital testament to his dominance. In Ghana, he reigns supreme as the rap god, effortlessly commanding the throne with lyrical prowess and unmatched charisma. Across the border in Nigeria, he’s revered as a demi-god, a status that acknowledges his influential presence while highlighting the vibrant cross-cultural respect he commands.

Sarkodie’s discography reads like a musical odyssey, spanning seven studio albums (Makye – 2009, Rapperholic -2012, Sarkology -2014, Highest -2017, Black Love – 2019, No Pressure -2021, and Jamz – 2022), a live album; Mary -2015), a collaborative gem T.M.G with Jayso, and two Eps; Alpha -2019 and Championship -2024), all punctuated by an arsenal of singles that have set the charts ablaze. Each release not only solidifies his place in the pantheon of African music but also fuels his annual extravaganza, Rapperholic—a celebration of his career and a festival of his fan’s undying devotion. His albums are more than just collections of tracks; they are cultural milestones that shape the narrative of Ghanaian music. And as if that weren’t enough, Sarkodie set a new precedent in 2023 with the first-ever exhibition by a Ghanaian musician in celebration of a decade of Rapperholic, a groundbreaking showcase that elevated his artistry into a new realm of creative expression.

Ghana’s crown jewel of rap, has had a career as colorful and controversial as his impressive discography. Among his many controversies, a few incidents particularly stand out. In 2015, he was summoned by the police after he bought a vehicle that had been lifted by some less-than-scrupulous characters—an unexpected twist in his otherwise smooth ride. Sarkodie kept a relatively low profile in terms of scandal, but 2023 brought a fresh wave of drama. The dancehall maestro, Samini, called him out for a perceived lack of respect. In the world of music, where egos are often as large as the hits, Samini’s public rebuke was like a rap diss track in real life. As though that was not enough, Yvonne Nelson stirred the pot by alleging that Sarkodie was involved in a relationship that led to an abortion. This revelation not only sparked debates on morality and personal responsibility but also put Sarkodie in an awkward spotlight, blending personal drama with public perception in a way that only the media can.

Village Champion to Global Star: Sarkodie’s Next Big Leap

Beyond Ghana and Sub-Saharan Africa lies a global stage where Sarkodie remains a hidden gem—an artist of immense potential that the world has yet to fully uncover. While his impact here is unmistakable, his international breakthrough remains just out of reach. The very factors that have established his local acclaim—his choice to rap in Twi and his fierce independence—might also be the barriers to his global recognition. Obidi has achieved so much and might have exceeded every dream he had at the start but contentment cannot and is not an option as he carries the hope of an entire industry, the hearts of his millions of fans and a breakthrough for an entire nation. He needs to make a move even knowing that he might never lack at this stage of his life and has somewhat bought the security for his wife Tracy and kids, Titi and Junior.

For Sarkodie to make the leap from local legend to global icon, he’ll need to spice up his strategy. First off, it’s time for a lyrical language makeover—while rapping in Twi adds local flair, adding more English to his verses could open doors to international listeners. Next, a strategic partnership with a global label could turbocharge his marketing, ensuring his music gets the spotlight it deserves on global platforms. And let’s not forget the power of stage presence; securing spots at major international festivals and high-profile gigs would showcase his talent to a broader audience. To top it off, a splashy global album deal could amplify his video reach and set the stage for a world tour that has fans everywhere chanting his name. In short, Sarkodie needs to mix his unique local charm with a dash of global savvy to truly conquer the international scene.

The notion that record deals imprisons artistes will not and does not necessarily apply to Sarkodie. He has paid his dues and made a mark, any label deal will be a partnership. He is capable of negotiating and has shown with his CRBT deal with MTN a global business giant that he is capable of proper boardroom politics and walking away with head held high from complex discussions.  

It is time for Kabutey to tell Obidi just one time for his mind that the Landlord needs to expand the territories for King Sark to Reign.

Sarkodie’s journey from the streets to a rap royalty is nothing short of epic. His rise to prominence has been fueled by unmatched talent, relentless ambition, and an unwavering connection with his fanbase. With accolades pouring in and a discography that reads like a masterclass in musical evolution, for Sarkodie, the next chapter promises to be a thrilling pursuit of global greatness, with the potential to elevate his storied career to unprecedented heights.

(Story: Richmond Adu-Poku)