Black Sherif (@blacksherif_) is a 21-year-old BET Award-winning artist from Ghana and the voice of Africa’s GEN Z. Not too long ago, he released a sensational Afro Drill single, “OH NO,” via Blacko Management/EMPIRE. The track was produced by in-house producer and long-time collaborator, Samsney, with additional production from Joker Nharnah.
Black Sherif – “OH NO” (Official Visualizer)
“Spent some time on the road, I seen my ship capsize. Been through my ups and downs, too many times I cried. ‘Cause I felt empty and alone, things happened to the guy. Some of my family switched sides plenty sacrifices. They go dey tell man plenty stories, please let it go. I don’t wanna know, I don’t wanna know. From early, I sold me a dream, they dey see me around. Can’t believe what I’m on, I was riding alone.” – lyrics
“OH NO” is an unstoppable force of sonic energy that listeners can’t help but appreciate its pure and natural beauty, shining regardless of its muddy exterior. The song contains highlife, soul, and drill-infused elements, all of which reflect Black Sherif’s unwavering concentration as he has kept his head down working, despite any forces that try to shift his path in life.
“OH NO” also rounds out a whirlwind 2023 for Black Sherif that includes wins at The BET Awards for Best International Flow, The Headies Awards for Best West African Artiste Of The Year, and the VGMAs for Artiste Of The Year.
“Took some losses, baby, but it nevеr fazed me.
“It feels like me standing at the edge of an open pit, but I know the resultant effect of the very next step. I chose to live my life devoid of any fear of falling into the pit. There are voices around and within, pushing me. Either to direct my next step away from the pit or have me fall into this deep abyss. ‘OH NO’ is a reaffirmation of my destiny and my calling. It’s me defining who I am, what I have believed in, and basking in the work I have put in thus far.” – Black Sherif explained
Black Sherif has asserted himself as a front-runner who’s leading the charge for African music globally. Since last year’s release of his debut album, “The Villain I Never Was,” Sherif has solidified his place as one of Africa’s most powerful creative voices and has broken streaming records. He is the most-streamed Ghanaian artist of 2022 on Spotify and the most-streamed Ghanaian artist of all time on Boomplay.
With no gimmicks, Sherif has reached these pinnacles in record time—paving the way as one of the foremost pioneers of the new sound emanating from Africa. He began this year by releasing his double single project, “Take Care Of Yourself Blacko,” which featured self-care-affirming songs that encouraged healing and taking time to reflect on his journey.
Black Sherif – Konongo Zongo (Official Video)
Black Sherif has continued to be a beacon of hope to the Ghanaian community as his presence extends beyond music. He recently attended the UN General Assembly, where he met with some of the world’s most powerful leaders and he also was one of the key celebrity guests, alongside Idris Elba and Sheryl Lee Ralph, to accompany Vice President Kamala Harris in Ghana during her Africa tour in March.
Black Sherif
Self-proclaimed as the “street preacher,” Black Sherif (born Mohammed Ismail Sharif Kwaku Frimpong and is referred to as “Blacko” by those close to him) is already one of the foremost leaders of a new generation of African artists. He has defied all odds handed to him since growing up in Konongo, a small mining town in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, to become the country’s biggest star.
Carving out his lane by bringing a distinctive sound to a new African generation, Sherif bridges the gap between Afrobeats, Highlife, and Asakaa (Ghanian Drill). His potent wordplay, illustrative storytelling, and unique ability to seamlessly tread between dialects, regions, and genres, combined with his captivating, explosive performances, have transcended his talents across borders.
Black Sherif – “Cry For Me” (audio slide)
Black Sherif dropped his first single ever, “Cry For Me,” fresh out of high school at age 17.
Black Sherif – Money (Official Video)
Sherif’s next single, “Money,” was released in January 2020. The song depicts his coming of age, maneuvering through the tough streets of Accra, Ghana.
Black Sherif – “First Sermon” (Official Video)
Sherif’s big break came in 2021 when his songs, “First Sermon” and “Second Sermon,” catapulted both him and Asakaa onto the map.
Black Sherif – “Second Sermon” (Official Video)
“Second Sermon” was listed #16 on The Fader’s 100 Best Songs of 2021 and the remix, which features Nigerian star, Burna Boy, gave Black Sherif even more notoriety internationally.
Black Sherif – “Kwaku the Traveller” (Official Video)
Black Sherif’s standout single, “Kwaku The Traveller,” exploded on TikTok and generated over 100 million streams in 2022. That success stamped Sherif as a superstar in the making. NPR, The Fader, OkayAfrica, and Complex UK, all named “Kwaku The Traveller” as one of the best songs of 2022, and the success earned Black Sherif a nomination for “Best International Flow” at the 2022 BET Hip Hop Awards.
Sherif has been spotlighted on the cover of Apple Music’s Rap Life playlist, was named a Spotify Radar Artist, featured in YouTube’s Foundry Class of 2022, was named as Audiomack’s #UpNow artist, and has continued to be in rotation on Drake’s OVO Sound Radio.
Black Sherif – “The Homeless Song” (Visualizer)
A certified hit-maker, Black Sherif explored his range on “The Villain I Never Was,” approaching his debut from a limitless lens. While the opener, “The Homeless Song,” sets the backdrop of a struggling young man. Hopeful tracks like “Oh Paradise” and the lead single, “Soja,” embody his strength.
Black Sherif – “Soja” (Official Visualizer)
“Soja” debuted at #23 on the Billboard US Afrobeats chart. Black Sherif reflected on his path in his cover story interview with Okayplayer this month. “I talk for a frustrated figure in the city, a frustrated boy,” Sherif said. “I’m not from the city, but I live in the city. I came to chase a life and dream there. From love to entertainment to survival. Driving out there, I’m testing my limits.”
Black Sherif – “OH NO” Single
We recommend adding Black Sherif’s “OH NO” single to your favorite Afro Drill playlist. Also, let us know how you feel in the comment section below. Mel Blanc’s famous catchphrase, That’s All Folks! Thanks for reading another great article on Bong Mines Entertainment – the hot spot for new music and positive entertainment news. Always remember that (P) Positive, (E) Energy, (A) Always, (C) Creates, (E) Elevation (P.E.A.C.E). Contact us on social media via Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook, and let us know what’s going on. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter, support our merchandise, and become a Patron of Bong Mines Entertainment. Disclaimer: This post contains Apple Music affiliate links. We may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through links on our site. That little compensation will be used towards keeping this website up and running.