Black Sherif
 | This article contains promotional content. (November 2022) |
Black Sherif | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Mohammed Ismail Sharrif |
| Also known as | Blacko, Kwaku Frimpong, Kwaku Killa |
| Born | 9 January 2002 Konongo, Ghana |
| Genres | Highlife, rap, hip pop, Afrofusion, drill music |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, rapper |
| Years active | 2019–present |
| Labels | Blacko Management, Empire |
Mohammed Ismail Sharrif (born 9, January 2002) professionally known as Black Sherif, is a Ghanaian singer and rapper. He gained popularity in 2021 with his song "First Sermon" in May 2021. This was followed up with "Second Sermon" in July.[1]
His breakthrough came in with his March 2022 single "Kwaku the Traveller", which reached number 1 on the Ghanaian and Nigerian Apple Music charts.[2] He released his debut album, The Villain I Never Was, on October 5, 2022.[3]
Early life and education
Black Sherif was born and raised in Konongo-Zongo, his hometown in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. As both his parents stayed overseas, Black Sherif lived with his aunt and other extended family members at the age of 10. His nomadic lifestyle exposed him to multiple influences and different cultures at a very early age.[4]
He attended his basic education at Konongo Zongo Islamic Basic School, and completed his secondary education at Kumasi Academy, where he picked up an interest in music and dancing.[5]
He is a former student of University of Professional Studies (UPSA) and is currently studying at the University of Ghana.[6]
Career
Black Sherif began his career in 2019 with the release of his song "Cry For Me" on YouTube. His debut single "Money" released on May 25, 2020, with a music video. In May 2021, his single "First Sermon" released, further increasing his audience. The song's sequel, "Second Sermon" was released in July, and received a remix with fellow African artist Burna Boy.
His breakthrough came in March 2022 with his single "Kwaku The Traveller" which reached number 1 on the Ghanaian and Nigerian Apple Music charts and became his largest song. He released his debut album The Villain I Never Was in October, supported by the singles "45" and "Soja".[7]
Artistry
Black Sherif's music is a blend of highlife, reggae, and hip-hop, specifically UK drill. He has stated his musical influences are rappers Kanye West, Travis Scott, Saint Jhn, Dave, Stormzy, J Hus, and Ghanaian artists Mugeez and Sarkodie.[8]
Controversies
On 11 April 2022, a lawsuit was filed against Black Sherif for alleged breach of contract after Sherif signed a deal with Empire Shadrach Agyei Owusu, the CEO of Waynes Chavis Consult, was seeking the court to restrict Black Sherif from performing at events without his authorization.[9][10] Fortunately for Black Sherif, the Accra High Court (Commercial Division) dismissed the injunction filed against him which sought to prevent the singer from performing music he released under his old management.[11]
Discography
- The Villain I Never Was (2022)
Awards and nominations
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| Year[12] | Event | Award | Recipient/Nominated work | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Entertainment Achievement Awards | Entertainment Personality of the Year | Himself | Won | [13] |
| 3Music Awards | Hip hop song of The Year | Second Sermon | Won | [14][15] | |
| Breakthrough Act of The Year | Himself | Won | |||
| Hip life/Hip hop Artiste of The Year | Himself | Won | |||
| Song of the Year | Second Sermon | Won | |||
| Artiste of the Year | Himself | Nominated | |||
| Ghana Music Awards | Artiste of the Year | Himself | Nominated | [16] | |
| Vodafone Most Popular Song | Second Sermon | Nominated | |||
| Best New Artiste | Himself | Won | |||
| Best Hip life/Hip pop Artiste | Himself | Nominated | |||
| Best Hip pop Song | Second Sermon | Won | |||
| International Collaboration of the Year | Second Sermon Remix ft Burna Boy | Nominated | |||
| Male Vocal Performance of the Year | Gold Digga | Nominated |
References
- ^ "Audiomack | Free Music Sharing and Discovery". audiomack.com. Retrieved 16 August 2022.
- ^ "I didn't know the Sermons will be hits – Black Sherif". My Joy Online. Archived from the original on 1 August 2021. Retrieved 1 August 2021.
- ^ "Black Sherif drops debut album The Villain I Never Was". The FADER. Retrieved 30 November 2022.
- ^ "Audiomack | Free Music Sharing and Discovery". audiomack.com. Retrieved 16 August 2022.
- ^ Falola, Ifeoluwa (15 August 2022). "Black Sherif The Hypnotic Voice Of Freedom". GRM Daily. Retrieved 16 August 2022.
- ^ "Black Sherif, Biography". www.ghanaweb.com. Retrieved 16 August 2022.
- ^ "Black Sherif drops debut album The Villain I Never Was". The FADER. Retrieved 30 November 2022.
- ^ "Getting To Know Black Sherif, Ghana's New Street Preacher". Complex. Retrieved 30 November 2022.
- ^ "Black Sherif sued over alleged breach of contract". Ghana News Online. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
- ^ Inusah, Murtala (11 April 2022). "Black Sherif sued over contract termination". Starrfm Online. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
- ^ Music, Emmanuel Ghansah, Ghana (26 July 2022). "Black Sherif wins court case with former manager; makes it into YouTube Foundry class of 2022 as only Ghanaian artiste!". Ghana Music. Retrieved 16 August 2022.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ [1]
- ^ Ntsie, Berlinda (27 February 2022). "Black Sherif Wins eaas entertainment personality of year". Retrieved 27 February 2022.
- ^ "Kidi wins big at 2022 3music awards,Black Sherif graps first major award". 27 March 2022.
- ^ Kotey, Nii (27 March 2022). "3Music News: 3Music Awards '22: Here are all the winners". 3Music TV. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
- ^ Hansen, Gabriel Myers (21 March 2022). "Vodafone Ghana Music Awards 2022: All the nominees". Music In Africa. Retrieved 12 April 2022.
External links
