Sarkodie’s Biography

Michael Owusu Addo, born 10 July 1988, professionally known as Sarkodie, is a rapper, songwriter, and entrepreneur from Tema, Ghana.

Sarkodie is the fourth of five children. He was raised in Koforidua until his parents relocated to Tema, where he began his education. He attended Tema Methodist Day Senior High School before earning a degree in graphic design from IPMC.

He is regarded as one of the most influential proponents of the Azonto genre and dance, as well as one of the most prominent African rappers of all time. Sarkodie is referred to as a “multifaceted rapper” due to his ability to perform in a variety of musical genres, and he frequently raps in his native Twi.

It was bolstered by a concert conducted at Accra’s Holy City Gardens. Sarkodie performed alongside Busta Rhymes on 16 September 2009 at the Busta Rhymes Live in Ghana concert. In 2010, “Push” and “Baby” were ranked ninth and thirteenth on Joy FM’s list of the top 50 tracks of 2009.

Rapperholic

“Rapperholic,“ Sarkodie’s second studio album, was released in 2012. Guests include Efya, Chidynma, Mugeez of R2Bees, Obrafour, Jayso, and EL. Five singles supported the album: “Good Bye,” “One Time for Your Mind,” “You Go Kill Me,” “Living Legend,” and “Onyame Nhyira.” It earned favourable evaluations from music critics.

Sarkodie embarked on a national tour to promote the album. “Rapperholic” earned Sarkodie his first BET nomination and ensuing victory with its release. In addition to Talib Kweli, Jean Grae, and Ab-Soul, Sarkodie was featured on the BET Hip Hop Awards cypher. He was the only African performer on it.

Sarkodie, R2Bees, Fally Ipupa, and Iyanya all performed at the Africa Unplugged Music Festival on August 27, 2012. Sarkodie and Ludacris performed “How Low” at the 020 Live concerts in 2012.

Sarkology

Sarkodie released his third studio album, Sarkology, in January 2014. This album was primarily recorded in Twi and features appearances by Fuse ODG, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Banky W., Timaya, 2 Face Idibia, Efya, Mugeez, Obrafour, Burna Boy, Vivian Chidid, Vector, Silvastone, Sk Blinks, Stonebwoy, Joey B, J Town, Lil Shaker, Raquel, Sian, Kofi B, and AKA. Among others, Magnom, Hammer, Killbeats, Masterkraft, and Silvastone were responsible for its production.

Sarkcess Unveiling

In 2014, Sarkodie established the Sarkcess Music record label. In conjunction with the unveiling, he debuted the music videos for “Adonai (Remix)” featuring Castro, and “Special Someone.” Under the label, Sarkodie also released the songs “Megye Wo Girl”, “Love Rocks”, “Chingum”, and “Whine Fi Me”.

On 7 June 2014, he accompanied Miguel on stage at the MTV Africa Music Awards to perform the latter’s single “How Many Drinks?” Sarkodie recorded “Africa Rising” with Mi Casa, Lola Rae, Davido, Diamond Platnumz, and Tiwa Savage in June 2014 for DSTV’s campaign of the same name.

New Guy

On June 10, 2015, Sarkodie released “New Guy” featuring Ace Hood. It was made available digitally on 10th June 2015 via Sarkcess Music and Ivy League Records. Written by the two performers and produced by CedSolo, “New Guy” is a hip hop song with alternating rap verses about Sarkodie’s desire and motivation for success. The development of “New Guy” began in early 2015, when Sarkodie paid a total of $25,000 for the recording’s production costs. He also desired Ace Hood’s participation because he considers him “one of the world’s most formidable rappers.”

Tribute album to Grandmother, Mary

On September 12, 2015, Sarkodie released “Mary,” a live album titled after his grandmother, who had passed away in 2012. Two months prior, “Mewu” was released as the lead single from the album. Sarkodie sold nearly 4,000 copies on its first day of release.

Highest

On September 8, 2017, Sarkodie released his fifth studio album, “Highest.” It includes 19 tracks, three interludes, and one bonus track. The album, which was released by Sarkcess Music and Dice Recordings, features appearances by Jesse Jagz, Moelogo, Flavour, Korede Bello, Victoria Kimani, and Big Narstie. Jayso produced the majority of Highest, with assistance from Masterkraft, TSpize, Ced Solo, Nova, and Guilty Beats.

Debut EP

In June 2019, Sarkodie released his debut EP, “Alpha.” Joey B and late Ebony Reigns make guest appearances on the EP’s six tracks. Sarkodie teased his collaboration with Reigns during the memorial concert. At the 2019 BET Hip Hop Awards, he was named the inaugural recipient of Best International Flow Artist.

Black Love

His fifth studio album, “Black Love,” was released on December 20, 2019. Mr Eazi, Efya, Donae’o, Idris Elba, Stonebwoy, Tekno, Maleek Berry, Herman Suede, King Promise, and Kizz Daniel are among the featured artistes. The album was promoted by the singles “Party & Bullshit”, “Saara”, “Do You”, and “Can’t Let Go”.

On 30 July 2021, Sarkodie released the album “No Pressure,” which marks his seventh studio album. Shatta Wale, Vic Mensa, Giggs, Cassper Nyovest, Harmonise, Oxlade, Kwesi Arthur, Darko Vibes, Medikal, and MOGmusic are featured on this album.

In the latter half of 2022, Sarkodie released the album “Jamz,” which featured Black Sherif, King Promise, Inkboy, and other prominent Nigerian artistes. “Labadi” with King Promise and “Countryside” with Black Sherif, are two of the biggest successes.

His contributions to the Ghanaian music industry have earned him numerous accolades, including the Vodafone Ghana Music Award for “Artiste of the Decade”
On 10 July 1988,

Business & Endorsements

Sarkodie owns the clothing line Sark by Yas, which debuted on April 27, 2013. The clothing collection includes options for men, women, and children.

At the University of Ghana, Legon, he was formally introduced as the Brand Ambassador for Samsung Electronics in 2012. As part of the event, Samsung unveiled the Samsung Galaxy Pocket and Chief Hero Phones with custom wallpapers of Sarkodie and his signature; users were able to download Sarkodie’s exclusive recordings.

In 2013, he also introduced the Obidi Chief headphones and signed a sponsorship agreement with FanMilk Ghana. Sarkodie’s 2013 Rapperholic tour was sponsored by Tigo Telecommunications Ghana. Additionally, Sarkodie has endorsement agreements with Standard Chartered Bank – a leading bank in Africa – and Guinness Ghana Limited for their Malt drink product.

This honour was bestowed upon him at the Creative Arts Industry Forum on 30 October 2019 when he was appointed an ambassador for the Year of Return campaign. In March 2021, Sarkodie and his daughter appeared in an advertisement for Ghana’s most popular toothpaste brand, Pepsodent Ghana’s #BrushWithMe campaign. The purpose of the campaign was to persuade parents and guardians to initiate and encourage a day and nighttime regimen of tooth brushing with their children. This was performed in honour of World Oral Health Day.

Personal Life & Controversies

Sarkodie married Tracy in a private wedding ceremony held in Tema, Ghana on 17 July 2018. They have two children.

Yvonne Nelson, in May, 2023 released her memoir, ‘I am not Yvonne Nelson.’ In the book, she revealed that Sarkodie impregnated her and subsequently asked her to terminate the pregnancy. In  a direct response to actress Yvonne Nelson’s claims, Sarkodie released a song titled “Try Me,” in which he addressed the situation from his perspective.

Many people criticised the song for being too severe, while others praised the rapid-fire delivery of rap verses.

Later, the song was removed from Spotify and Apple Music for unknown reasons.

Videography