– –
Sarkodie is a Tema-based Ghanaian rapper and entrepreneur who has received several striking international acclaims.
He has garnered multiple awards for his contributions to the Ghanaian music industry from various recognized awarding bodies both locally and internationally.
Early Life & Education
Sarkodie whose official name is Michael Owusu Addo was born in Koforidua, Ghana, on July 10, 1988. He is the fourth of five children to Mr. and Mrs. Owusu Addo.
Aside from being an exceptional rapper, King Sark as affectionately called is also an education enthusiast.
The rapper had both his primary and JHS education at one of the Montessori schools in Tema.
After passing out with flying colors at the basic level, he enrolled at Tema Methodist High School where he received his Senior School Certificate and later got admission at IPMC to study graphic design.
Sarkodie has once confessed that he used to rap whiles he was still in school during entertainment and funfairs.
Career
Sarkodie has been rapping since he was a child. He understood what he wanted out of life from the age of four and was not scared to pursue it.
However, he cemented his relevancy in the music industry on a rap show called Kasahare Level on Adom FM which officially established his music career.
Luckily for Sarkodie, Duncan Williams who was the show’s host took a special interest in his exceptional talent and eventually became his manager after the radio contest.
He met Edem and Castro while on the show and they introduced him to Hammer of The Last Two, a well-known and superb record producer.
Hammer was so impressed with Sarkodie that he had no choice but to let him record two tracks for Edem’s debut album.
After his breakthrough, Sarkodie has released back-to-back hit singles and albums for a decade and counting and his rap prowess keeps aging like fine wine.
Prior to meeting Hammer, Sarkodie had turned down a juicy job offer from an advertising company to fully take up music as a professional career.
Songs, Features & Albums
Sarkodie has over 100 singles in his music catalog and 9 albums under his belt. He has featured both local and international music-heavy weights like Acehood, Idris Elba, Donaeo, AKA, Yaa Pono, Edem, Medikal, Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy, etc.
Awards & Nominations
In 2010 which was the early peak of his sublime music career, Sarkodie collaborated on multiple projects and received numerous honors and nominations.
Including five major nominations at the 2010 VGMAs for his debut album dubbed Makye.
In the same 2010 also, he was also a part of the historic Ghana cypher that aired on the 2010 BET Hip Hop Awards’ international broadcast.
In October 2019, Sarkodie became the first artist to win the Best International Flow award at BET Hip Hop Awards.
As the most decorated rapper in Africa, Sarkodie has had 176 nominations from various music awards and has won over 100 of them making his career a very impressive one.
Wife and Kids
Sarkodie has two children with his long-time girlfriend whom he married in 2018. Tracy Sarkcess, Sarkodie’s wife is an entrepreneur/businesswoman who manages her own company.
Networth, Cars & Houses
Sarkodie’s net worth is believed to be around $10 million, making him one of Africa’s wealthiest rappers. His fortune does not, however, stem solely from his musical career as he has several businesses shielded from the public domain.
Sarkodie owns a fleet of expensive cars. Aside from his luxury automobile collection, Sarkodie has a huge mansion in Ashally Botwe (Accra).
Sarkodie’s residence in the United Kingdom is likewise a piece of art with an estimated value of $250,000.