Sarkodie

Born Michael Owusu Addo on July 10, 1985, in Tema, Ghana, Sarkodie developed a passion for music at a young age. Influenced by various genres, including highlife, hiplife, and rap, he began writing lyrics and honing his rap skills while still in secondary school. He attended Tema Methodist Day Senior High School and furthered his education at IPMC for a degree in graphic design.

In his early years, Sarkodie experienced a challenging family situation where his father separated him from his mother and entrusted his care to an aunt who unfortunately subjected him to mistreatment. In the face of adversity, Sarkodie found solace and strength by channeling his emotions into imaginary letters addressed to his mother. Little did he know that this coping mechanism would lay the foundation for his remarkable journey in the world of music.

Recognizing his talent, Sarkodie pursued his dream of becoming a rapper, gradually gaining recognition through freestyle battles and local performances. Sarkodie made his mark in the music scene when he joined the renowned rap competition Kasahare Level, hosted by Adom FM. His exceptional rap flow caught the attention of his future manager, Duncan Williams, who eagerly took on the role of guiding his career.

During this time, Sarkodie also had the opportunity to collaborate with Hammer of The Last Two, a highly regarded record producer. Together, they created two tracks that was featured on his Volta Regime album.

Sarkodie released his debut album, "Makye" in 2009. He featured music acts like Kwaw Kese, J-Town and R2Bees. His distinctive rap style, infused with witty wordplay, storytelling, and social commentary, resonated with fans and earned him a dedicated following.

Beyond his personal achievements, Sarkodie's impact on the Ghanaian music industry is immeasurable. He has played a pivotal role in popularizing and elevating Ghanaian rap, showcasing the richness and diversity of the country's musical heritage to a global audience. Sarkodie's success has also inspired a new generation of Ghanaian artists, encouraging them to embrace their cultural identity and pursue their artistic aspirations.