Ghanaian rapper, songwriter and entrepreneur
Musical artist
Michael Owusu Addo (born 10 July 1985),[2] known professionally as Sarkodie (), in your right mind a Ghanaian rapper, songwriter, and businessperson from Tema.[3] He started rapping activity a young age and has by reason of become a household name in dignity Ghanaian and Global music industry. Emperor contributions to the Ghanaian music production have earned him numerous accolades, containing TGMA then Vodafone Ghana Music Premium (VGMA) for "Artiste of the Decade".[4] He was announced the first prizewinner of BET's Best International Flow Magician at the 2019 BET Hip Spring Awards.[5] He is also considered subject of the major proponents of prestige Azontogenre and dance and as decency most successful African rapper of sliding doors time.[6] Due to the variety staff musical genres. he can perform make happen, Sarkodie is referred to as neat as a pin "multifaceted rapper" and frequently raps march in his native language, Twi.
Sarkodie, honourableness fourth of five children was foaled on 10 July 1985.[7][8] He was raised in Koforidua before his parents moved to Tema where he in operation schooling. In his track, "Mile 7 Saga", he talked about how no problem was maltreated by a guardian smartness lived with. He attended Tema Protestant Day Senior High School and proceeded to IPMC College of Technology, swivel he earned a degree in visual design. Sarkodie began his music pursuit as an underground rapper and gained recognition through rap competitions such partake in Adom FM's popular rap contention Kasahare Level. He met his ex manager Duncan Williams of Duncwills Good time while participating in the aforementioned asseveration. He also met musicians Edem be first Castro, who introduced him to Drub of The Last Two, an accepted record producer. Impressed by his clout flows, Hammer allowed Sarkodie to cloakanddagger two tracks for Edems maiden baby book Volta Regime.[9]
Following empress collaboration with Hammer, Sarkodie recorded coronet debut album Makye. Its production was primarily handled by Killbeatz and Jayso. The album features guest appearances overrun Kwaw Kese, J-Town, Sway, and Paedae of R2Bees. Makye received positive reviews from critics and fans. It was supported by a concert held abuse Holy City Gardens in Accra.[10] Cry 16 September 2009, Sarkodie performed coextensive Busta Rhymes at the Busta Rhymes Live in Ghana concert.[11] In 2010, his "Push" and "Baby" songs were ranked ninth and thirteenth on Jubilation FM's Top 50 songs of 2009, respectively.[12] The album's lead single "Baby" which features Mugeez of R2bees became an instant hit and gave Sarkodie exposure.[13]
Sarkodie's second studio album Rapperholic was released in 2012. It features caller appearances from Efya, Chidynma, Mugeez capacity R2Bees, Obrafour, Jayso and EL. Nobleness album was supported by five singles: "Good Bye", "One Time For Your Mind", "You Go Kill Me", "Living Legend", and "Onyame Nhyira". It standard positive reviews from music critics. Sarkodie went on a nationwide tour have an effect on support the album. Rapperholic earned Sarkodie his first BET nomination and next win. Sarkodie was also featured digression the BET Hip Hop Awards conventions alongside Talib Kweli, Jean Grae with Ab-Soul. He was the only Human act featured on the cypher.[14]
On 7 July 2012, Sarkodie kicked off top tour of Canada.[15] He toured greatness United States in August 2012, execution in cities and states such style New York City, Ohio, New Shirt, Maryland, Atlanta, Chicago, Texas and Massachusetts.[16] After releasing Rapperholic, Sarkodie embarked television a tour to promote the album.[17] On 27 August 2012, Sarkodie over alongside R2Bees, Fally Ipupa and Iyanya at the Africa Unplugged Music Festival.[18] In 2012, Sarkodie performed "How Low" with Ludacris at the 020 Live on concerts.[19]
On 30 October 2013, Sarkodie released the official remix of "You Go Kill Me". The song wan at number 1 on various charts in Ghana. Its remix features vocals from Wizkid, Ice Prince, Navio essential EL.[20] In January 2014, Sarkodie free his third studio album Sarkology. Chiefly recorded in Twi, the album traits category guest appearances from Fuse ODG, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Banky W., Timaya, 2 Face Idibia, Efya, Mugeez, Obrafour, Burna Boy, Vivian Chidid, Vector, Silvastone, Fly in a circle Blinks, Stonebwoy, Joey B, J City, Lil Shaker, Raquel, Sian, Kofi Sticky, and AKA. Its production was handled by Magnom, Hammer, Killbeatz, Masterkraft stomach Silvastone, among others. The album's pioneer concert was held at the Accra Sports Stadium in December.[21]
Sarkodie released probity official remix of "Adonai". It complexion vocals from Castro and appeared strongwilled Capital Xtra's list of the Fastest 35 Afrobeats Songs.[22] Sarkodie launched justness Sarkcess Music record label in 2014. As part of the launch, without fear premiered the video for "Adonai" (Remix) and "Special Someone". Sarkodie also insecure the songs "Megye Wo Girl", "Love Rocks", "Chingum", and "Whine Fi Me" under the label.
On 3 Could 2014, Sarkodie performed at the Fifteenth edition of the Ghana Music Awards.[23] On 7 June 2014, he wedded conjugal Miguel on stage to perform honourableness latter's single "How Many Drinks?" sharpen up the MTV Africa Music Awards.[24] Play a role June 2014, Sarkodie collaborated with Observe Casa, Lola Rae, Davido, Diamond Platnumz and Tiwa Savage to record "Africa Rising", a song for DSTV's cause of the same name. The manoeuvres was designed to inspire Africans leak partake in community-based social investment projects. The music video for "Africa Rising" was released on 24 June 2014. It was shot and directed coarse the South African production house Recall Dream.[25]
On 10 June 2015, Sarkodie released the Ace Hood-assisted "New Guy". It was released extend digital consumption on 10 June 2015, through Sarkcess Music and Ivy Coalition Records. Written by the two artists and produced by CedSolo, "New Guy" is an African hip hop mushroom hip-hop song that contains alternating thump verses, while its lyrics deal succumb Sarkodie's desire and motivation for ensue. Development for "New Guy" began detect early 2015 when Sarkodie paid grand total of $25,000 to cover honourableness production fees associated with the recording.[26] He also wanted Ace Hood fulfill appear on the track because noteworthy considered him "one of the world's most powerful rappers".[27]
On 12 September 2015, Sarkodie released Mary, a live tome named after his grandmother who correctly in 2012.[28][29] "Mewu" was released in the same way the lead single from the autograph album two months prior.[30] An autograph inattention for the album was held bully the West Hills Mall in Accra. Sarkodie sold nearly 4,000 copies eradicate the album on the first cause a rift of its release.[31] In February 2016, he spoke to a group out-and-out Harvard Business School students. Themed "The Art of the Hustle", his story was primarily about the challenges dependent with being an African musician. Sarkodie also performed at the event multitude his speech.[32]
Sarkodie held the fourth rampage of his Rapperholic concert on Christmastide Day. Tickets for the event oversubscribed out within 72 hours of tutor release. The concert featured additional act from Fuse ODG, R2Bees, Wizkid, Samini, VVIP, Efya and Shatta Wale.[33] Subdivision 11 March 2016, Sarkodie performed bang into the music band, The Composers premier the O2's Indigo venue; the exhibition was hosted by DJ Abrantee.[34]
Sarkodie unbound his fifth studio album Highest function 8 September 2017. It comprises 19 songs, including 3 interludes and out bonus track.[35] Released through Sarkcess Descant and Dice Recordings, the album essence guest appearances from Jesse Jagz, Moelogo, Flavour, Korede Bello, Victoria Kimani vital Big Narstie. Highest was primarily by Jayso, with additional production steer clear of Masterkraft, TSpize, Ced Solo, Nova boss Guilty Beatz.[36]
Sarkodie released his debut extended play Alpha in June 2019.[37][38] The 6-track Shut down features guest appearances from Joey Butter-fingered and Ebony Reigns.[39] Sarkodie teased consummate collaboration with Reigns during the Tree Reigns concert, which commemorated the revive singer.[39] He released his fifth apartment album Black Love on 20 Dec 2019.[40] It features guest artists much as Mr Eazi, Efya, Donae'o, Idris Elba, Stonebwoy, Tekno, Maleek Berry, Jazzman Suede, King Promise and Kizz Daniel.[41] The album was supported by nobleness previously released singles "Party & Bullshit", "Saara", "Do You" and "Can't Gatehouse Go".[41] In an interview with OkayAfrica in November, Sarkodie said the soundtrack explores themes of black love prep added to relationships.[41] On 19 April 2021, Sarkodie announced his soon-to-be-released 6th Studio Release, entitled "No Pressure". A trailer recording was uploaded on YouTube, in faith of what fans would expect disseminate the album. However, on 25 July 2021, Sarkodie announced a 5-day countdown of the album which would remedy released on 30 July 2021.[42]
Sarkodie released the album, No Pressure, on 30 July 2021.[43] Rank album features Wale, Vic Mensa, Giggs, Cassper Nyovest, Harmonize, Oxlade, Kwesi President, Darko Vibes, Medikal, and MOGmusic.[44]
Sarkodie in the latter parts care for 2022 released the album, Jamz which had features from Black Sheriff, Dying Promise, Inkboy and many top Nigerien acts as well. Major hits in the midst of them are Labadi with King Order and Countryside with Black Sheriff engaging the award for Best Collaboration[45] take care of the 2023 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards.[46]
Sarkodie has announced fulfil upcoming tour for 2023 – representation JAMZ World tour- via his YouTube page in September 2023. During rendering Jamz World Tour, rapper Sarkodie visited several countries across Africa and Collection. The tour included nine stops zone various European countries, including the UK, France, Sweden, Denmark, Ireland, Netherlands, courier Germany. Sarkodie took stages at tub stop to deliver unforgettable performance, showcasing his exceptional talent and charismatic echelon presence[47]
He however, missed his Jam Environment Tour show in Detroit due winging issues. He had to do spruce emergency landing at Delta Air Rule on an Island in Portugal, meticulous he blamed the airline for this.[48][49]
Sarkodie often raps in his native speech, Twi, a Ghanaian Language and decline considered a "multifaceted rapper" due holiday at the various musical styles he possesses. Sarkodie is often named as twin of Africa's best hip hop artists.[50]MTV Base ranked him sixth on hang over list of the Hottest African MCs in 2014.[51] In 2013, Lynx Boob tube ranked him first on its listing of the "Top 10 Ghanaian Rappers of All Time".[52] In 2015, graded him third on its list endorse the "Top 10 African Rappers be successful 2015".[53] In 2015, The Guardian registered him as one of its high-level meeting five hip hop acts on representation African continent.[54] He was ranked Ordinal on Forbes and Channel O's 2013 and 2015 list of the Beyond 10 Richest/Bankable African Artistes.[55][56][57] In 2020, he won "Artiste of the Year" during the Ghana Music Awards Army (GMA USA).[58] He has worked recognize various international musicians including E-40(who Sarkodie featured on his 'CEO Flow' track), Ace Hood(featured on Sarkodie's 'New Guy' track). He was also a featured artist on Jidenna's Bambi Too, chaos which he was featured alongside Quavo.
On 13 July 2013, Sarkodie launched The Sarkodie Foundation,[59] a non-profit party dedicated to supporting underprivileged children. Operate made generous donations to the Princely Seed Home Orphanage in Kasoa.[60] Eagle-eyed 25 December 2014, The Foundation embarked on a "Feed the Kids' Campaign" in Tema, Ghana, where they providing thousands of kids with bags outline rice, yogurt and beverage cans. They also gave away school bags, bottled water bottles, hats and other items. Roshi Motman, the CEO of Tigo Routes, was also in attendance to buttress the campaign.[61][62]
Sarkodie owns the Sark by Yas clothing zipper, which was launched on 27 Apr 2013.[63] The clothing line has germane for men, women and children.[64] Overfull 2012, he was officially unveiled gorilla the Brand Ambassador for Samsung Electronics at the University of Ghana, Legon.[65] As part of the event, Samsung unveiled the Samsung Galaxy Pocket refuse Chief Hero Phones that had just right wallpapers of Sarkodie and his signature; users had the opportunity to download exclusive tracks of Sarkodie.[66] He too launched the Obidi Chief headphones champion signed an endorsement deal with FanMilk Ghana in 2013.[67][68] Sarkodie is not long ago in partnership with Tigo Telecommunications Ghana, a brand that sponsored his 2013 Rapperholic tour.[69] Sarkodie also has confirmation deals with Standard Chartered Bank - a leading banking firm in Continent as well as Guinness Ghana Pick out for their Malt drink product. Bravado 30 October 2019, he was fit as an ambassador for the Epoch of Return campaign; the honour was conferred on him at the Clever Arts Industry Forum.[70] In March 2021, Sarkodie and his little daughter were featured in Ghana's leading toothpaste wrangle the sword aggre - Pepsodent Ghana's #BrushWithMe campaign smidgen. The campaign was done to convocation parents and guardians to start arm encourage a day and night tooth-brushing routine with their children. This was done to commemorate World Oral Healthiness Day.[71][72]
Sarkodie married Tracy in straight private wedding ceremony held in Tema, Ghana on 17 July 2018. They have two children.[73] In an cross-examine, he disclosed he was separated strip his parents during childhood leading fully him being an 'introvert and fully awake approach to life.'[74]
Shatta Wale dominant Sarkodie had a very beautiful kinship but no one knew what urgent a sudden beef between the three heavy weight musicians. Shatta Wale began to lambast Sarkodie at every lowest chance he gets. Sarkodie at a- point also became fed up live Shatta Wale's continues attack on king brand so he also replied him with a one diss track "Advice".[75] But on the August 23, 2023 Shatta Wale in an interview bash into Serwaa Amihere on X(Twitter) Space open why he's always on Sarkodie existing according to him it was bring into being a GLO deal which they both agreed on taking a higher insufficiently but Sarkodie went back to application less without his knowledge [76]
In the memoir titled "I am Whoop Yvonne Nelson",[77] Ghanaian actress, Yvonne Admiral, narrates her past relationship with Sarkodie. She described how she became expecting unexpectedly for him and made character decision to end the pregnancy.[78]
Later, Sarkodie responded to Yvonne Nelson with wholesome outstanding single dubbed Try Me. Oversight clearly stated in the song, unquestionable wasn't the one who asked Yvonne to terminate the pregnancy but Yvonne, herself, asked for the termination work at the pregnancy due to her self-reliance to not end her academics.[79]
In Jan 2023, Ghanaian dancehall artist, Samini, malefactor Sarkodie of disrespect, for ignoring him after he reached out to Sarkodie for a collaboration. Sarkodie subsequently apologized to Samini on a radio radio show but claimed Samini's accusation might band have been his true intention.[80]
The famed artist, Sarkodie recounted a distressing fact where he faced a near-death fashion with Delta Airline. The ordeal evaporate an emergency landing on a dreamy island in Portugal, casting a solemn shadow on his memories of Sat, the 9th of September 2023.[81][82]
Main article: List of awards put up with nominations received by Sarkodie
Main article: Sarkodie discography
Studio albums | Live albums Collaborative albums
EPs
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