Sarkodie, born Michael Owusu Addo, is a celebrated Ghanaian rapper, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He has made an indelible mark on the African music scene and beyond.
Here are some fascinating facts about him:
Early Life: Sarkodie was born on July 10, 1985, in Tema, Ghana. He is the fourth of five children and was raised by his single mother, Emma Maame Aggrey.
Education: He attended Tema Methodist Day Senior High School and later earned a degree in Graphic Design from IPMC College of Technology.
Music Career: Sarkodie began his journey as an underground rapper and gained recognition through rap competitions like Adom FM’s “Kasahare Level.” His debut album, Makye, was released in 2009, followed by several successful albums, including Rapperholic and Mary.
Awards and Achievements: Sarkodie has won numerous awards, including the BET Award for Best International Act: Africa in 2012 and the VGMA “Artiste of the Decade” award. He was also the first winner of BET’s Best International Flow Artist at the 2019 BET Hip Hop Awards.
Entrepreneurship: He owns Sarkcess Music, his record label, and Sark Clothing Line, which offers fashion items for men, women, and children.
Philanthropy: Sarkodie founded The Sarkodie Foundation in 2013 to support underprivileged children across Ghana.
Personal Life: Sarkodie is married to Tracy Owusu Addo, his longtime partner, and they have a daughter named Adalyn Owusu Addo2.
Unique Traits: Sarkodie is known for rapping in his native language, Twi, and has never smoked or consumed alcohol.
Notable Songs: Sarkodie has a rich catalog of hits, including Adonai (featuring Castro), Pain Killer (featuring Runtown), U Go Kill Me, New Guy (featuring Ace Hood), and Can’t Let You Go (featuring King Promise). His music often blends traditional African sounds with modern hip-hop.
Big Stage Performances: Sarkodie has graced major stages worldwide, including the Global Citizen Festival in Accra and the BBC Radio 1Xtra Afrobeats Concerto, where he performed with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. His annual Rapperholic Concert in Ghana is a highlight of the music calendar.
Collaborations with International Stars: Sarkodie has worked with global artists like Ace Hood (New Guy), Runtown (Pain Killer), and Burna Boy (Special Someone). These collaborations have elevated his international profile.
Albums: Sarkodie has released several successful albums, including Makye (2009), Rapperholic (2012), Sarkology (2014), Highest (2017), Black Love (2019), No Pressure (2021), and Jamz (2022). Each album showcases his growth as an artist and his ability to innovate.
Net Worth: Sarkodie is one of the richest musicians in Ghana, with an estimated net worth of $15 million. His wealth comes from music, endorsements, and entrepreneurial ventures like Sarkcess Music and Sark Clothing Line.
Personal Life: Sarkodie is married to Tracy Owusu Addo, and they have two children, Adalyn Owusu Addo (affectionately called Titi) and Michael Nana Yaw Owusu Addo Jr.
