Stories and facts

Sarkodie's musical journey began at a young age in Tema, where he was raised by his mother, Emma Maame Aggrey. Displaying a natural talent for rap as early as four years old, he pursued his passion throughout his education, eventually earning a degree in Graphic Design from IPMC.

Determined to make his mark, he honed his skills in the underground rap scene, participating in competitions like Adom FM’s Kasahare Level, where he impressed industry figures, including his future manager Duncan Williams, as well as musicians Edem and Castro.

His breakthrough came when renowned producer Hammer recognized his talent and featured him on Edem’s 2008 album Volta Regime, leading to the release of his debut album Makye, with the hit single Baby featuring Mugees of R2Bees.

This catapulted him to fame, earning him multiple awards at the 2010 Ghana Music Awards, including Artiste of the Year and Best Rapper of the Year. His second album, Rapperholic (2012), cemented his status as one of Ghana’s top rappers, winning three major awards at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards.

That same year, Sarkodie made history as the first Ghanaian rapper to win a BET Award for Best International Act (Africa), amplifying his influence on the African hip-hop scene.

Known for his versatility and lyrical prowess in Twi, he seamlessly blends intelligent rhymes with real-life issues and showcases his talent through collaborations with artists such as D'Banj, R2Bees, EL, T-Pain, and Trey Songz.

Beyond music, he established The Sarkodie Foundation in 2013 to support underprivileged children and ventured into business with Sark by Yas clothing line, alongside brand endorsements for Samsung and FanMilk Ghana.

Sarkodie’s journey from a young dreamer in Tema to a global rap icon is a testament to his dedication, versatility, and impact on African hip-hop, inspiring a new generation of artists to chase their dreams.

Explore the life of Sarkodie below.