Africa’s rap king
Sarkodie
The Tema rapper who took Twi flow global and opened the door for Afrobeats exports.
Born Michael Owusu Addo in Tema in 1985, Sarkodie (from “Sak” + “Codi”, and a nod to his demeanour) exploded in 2009 with the album Makye, riding the azonto wave he helped push worldwide. His blistering Twi-English flow — dense, witty, impossibly fast — made him instantly distinctive.
In 2012 he won the BET Award for Best International Act (Africa), the first of many continental and global honours, and has since collaborated with stars from Ace Hood to Idris Elba while headlining London’s O2 and filling Accra’s Grand Arena. Albums like Highest and No Pressure cemented a decade-plus reign.
Beyond music, his SarkCess Music label, clothing line and youth mentorship (including the famous “Sarkodie Foundation” school support) have made him a businessman and role model — proof, he often says, that Tema talent needs no permission.
Key facts
- Born Michael Owusu Addo, 1985, Tema.
- Breakthrough: Makye (2009); signature rapid Twi-English flow.
- BET Best International Act (Africa), 2012 — a Ghanaian first.
- Headlined London’s O2; multiple continental awards.
- Runs SarkCess Music and youth mentorship initiatives.
Put the story in context: explore the History of Ghana to see the eras Sarkodie helped shape.
Sarkodie FAQs
What is Sarkodie’s real name?
Michael Owusu Addo, born in Tema in 1985. “Sarkodie” blends a childhood nickname with his commanding style.
What awards has Sarkodie won?
Headlined by the 2012 BET Award for Best International Act (Africa) — a first for Ghana — plus multiple Ghana Music Awards, AFRIMMA and MTV Africa honours.
What language does Sarkodie rap in?
Mostly Twi mixed with English and Pidgin — his rapid-fire Twi flow is his trademark and proved local languages could dominate continental charts.
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