Entertainment
Black Sherif is the voice of African youth – Akon
More global legends are spotting the talent in the Ghanaian superstar Black Sherif.
American musician, Akon is the latest to join the tall list of celebrities finding life in the Konongo-born artiste’s craft.
The business mogul said he was sold from the first time he was put on Blacko’s sound by his Malian friend.
The ‘Lonely’ crooner was speaking on BBC Radio 1Xtra.
From the jump, the pain, hunger and struggle he felt in Black Sherif’s voice left with no doubt that Black Sherif is on to something epic.
The Senegalese-American singer and songwriter says he has been a fan ever since and may end up signing the 20-year-old singer if need be.
“I’m a huge fan of Black Sherif, he reminded me of the energy of myself when I first came out, you could literally hear the pain, the struggle and the challenges in his voice whenever he sings.”
For him, Blacko’s message is one that depicts the desperation to succeed among the younger generation on the African continent.
“He is currently the voice of the youth in Africa,” he added.
Black Sherif recently held his debut concert in the United Kingdom followed by a performance at the 2020 MOBO Awards which has been widely received as a riveting one.
He was adjudged the 2022 Artiste of the Year at the Ghana Music Awards UK.
He has collaborations with Burna Boy, Stormzy, and Sarkodie among other big wigs in the music scene.
Blacko’s album, The Villain I Never Was has also won public praise for its versatility, drive and intricate message.
Source: www.myjoyonline.com
Entertainment
Sparqlyn reminisces as he congratulates Shatta Wale for winning two awards at 43rd IRAWMA
Ghanaian musician and former member of musicial gorup, Dunsin, Ahmmed Kanneh Larweh, popularly known as Sparqlyn, has congratulated Ghanaian music heavyweight, Shatta Wale following his impressive double victory at the International Reggae and World Music Awards.
Shatta Wale recently made headlines after winning two major awards at the prestigious event held in Florida, USA, securing Best African Dancehall Entertainer and Concert of the Year for ShattaFest.
Reacting to the achievement, Sparqlyn could not hide his excitement after sighting news of the awards on Monday, May 18, 2025.
According to him, the one thing that caught his attention was the plaque presented to Shatta Wale. He noted that the design looked strikingly similar to the one Dunsin received when they won at the MUSA Awards over a decade ago.
The resemblance, especially the upper part of the plaque, instantly brought back memories of his former group’s historic moment on the African stage 13 years ago when the group represented Ghana proudly in South Africa.
It will be recalled that back in 2013, Dunsin achieved international recognition after winning Most Exciting Group in Africa and Most African Video at the MUSA Awards held in Pretoria, South Africa. The awards came on the back of their global hit project “Ɔyɛadeɛyie,” a song that helped elevate the group’s profile beyond Ghana.
At the time, Sparqlyn, then known by many as Kele within the group, was the one who represented Dunsin at the event to pick up the award.
Ghanaian dancehall artiste Charles Nii Armah Mensah, known as Shatta Wale, has won two awards at the 43rd International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) held in Florida over the weekend.
He picked up the Best African Dancehall Entertainer award as well as Concert of the Year for ShattaFest.
In a statement, Shatta Wale’s management expressed appreciation to the organisers and supporters of the awards.
“Management would like to sincerely appreciate the organisers of the IRAWMA awards for the recognition and continuous support for African music on the global stage.
“We also extend our deepest gratitude to fans across the world, especially the Shatta Movement fraternity, for their unwavering support, votes, and dedication throughout the years,” the statement said.
The statement added that the latest wins reaffirm the artiste’s position as one of Africa’s leading musical exports and a prominent figure in global dancehall culture.
The awards bring Shatta Wale’s total haul at the IRAWMA to 11, highlighting his continued presence on the international reggae and dancehall scene.
At last year’s edition, he won three awards: Best African Dancehall Entertainer, Best Music Video for “Killa Ji Mi”, and Best Crossover Song for “Commando” featuring Bounty Killer. -GNA
