Black Sherif

Mohammed Ismail Sherif Kwaku Frimpong, born January 9, 2002, professionally known as Black Sherif and formerly Blacko, is a Ghanaian singer, rapper, and fashion model who has quickly risen to international fame with his emotionally charged music and genre-blending style. Known for his raw storytelling and signature fusion of Afrobeat, drill, and highlife, Black Sherif has become one of Ghana’s most influential voices of his generation. Black Sherif began his music journey in 2019 with the release of “Cry for Me” on YouTube. He followed up with his official debut single “Money” on May 25, 2020, complete with a music video that introduced his introspective style to a wider audience. However, it was the “First Sermon” (May 2021) and “Second Sermon” (July 2021) that significantly expanded his fanbase. The latter’s remix featuring Nigerian superstar Burna Boy pushed him further into the African mainstream. His major breakthrough came in March 2022 with the hit single “Kwaku the Traveller,” a reflective anthem that topped both Ghanaian and Nigerian Apple Music charts. The song’s music video garnered over 27 million views on YouTube, cementing his status as a cross-border success. Later that year, on October 5, 2022, Black Sherif released his debut album, The Villain I Never Was, which included acclaimed tracks like “45” and “Soja.” In April 2025, he followed up with his sophomore album, Iron Boy, further demonstrating his artistic evolution and lyrical depth. A month later, in May 2025, Black Sherif earned a nomination at the BET Awards, marking a significant milestone in his international recognition. Beyond his solo work, Black Sherif has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Sarkodie, Stormzy, Smallgod, Tory Lanez, Ardee, Bas, DJ Breezy, Amerado, and Larry Gaaga, showcasing his versatility and cross-genre appeal. In August 2022, global music platform Audiomack named him one of its "Up Now" artists, a recognition that reflected his meteoric rise. Reflecting on his journey, Black Sherif shared, "I've had Audiomack since high school… It's been the primary thing for me to connect with my fans and share music." With his soul-baring lyrics, dynamic sound, and compelling presence both on stage and in fashion, Black Sherif continues to shape the future of African music and inspire a new wave of youth across the continent and beyond.