Ghanaian hip-hop sensation Black Sherif has pulled back the curtain on his meticulous creative process, revealing that his meteoric rise in Africa’s music scene was preceded by a deliberate 15-month period of writing and developing his artistic voice before ever setting foot in a recording studio.
During a candid interview on Apple Music 1, the 24-year-old artist, born Mohammed Ismail Sherif Kwaku Frimpong, offered rare insights into his formative years and the disciplined approach that helped shape his distinctive sound. The revelation comes as Black Sherif continues to build momentum following the release of his latest single “Sacrifice” and album “IRON BOY,” which have further cemented his status as one of West Africa’s most compelling musical voices.
“Since childhood, I’ve been an artist,” Black Sherif explained during the interview. “I didn’t have my voice on wax or anything, but I was exploring everything that was interesting, in the most artistic way. We used to do bike rides—BMX freestyles—and go dance at weddings on the weekends.”
This period of artistic exploration appears crucial to the development of Black Sherif’s multifaceted approach to music-making. Rather than rushing to record, the young artist devoted himself to perfecting his craft through extensive writing and experimentation. It was just figuring out what I wanted to follow within entertainment. That was when I started writing music, for 15 months, before going to the studio for the first time. Then coming out of high school, I tried to follow this thing by really hustling it!
The patience and dedication demonstrated in this extended creative preparation phase stands in stark contrast to the often hurried approach many emerging artists take in the digital era, where the pressure to consistently release content can sometimes overshadow artistic development. Music industry analysts note that Black Sherif’s method reflects a level of discipline uncommon among artists of his generation.
The strategy appears to have paid dividends. When Black Sherif finally did unleash his talents on the world with “First Sermon” in 2021, the impact was immediate and profound. The track, which showcased his raw lyrical ability and distinctive vocal delivery, quickly established him as a formidable new voice in African music. This breakthrough came after his methodical development period had given him both the technical skills and artistic vision needed to make a meaningful debut.
During the interview, Black Sherif also touched on his evolution as an artist, including his decision to transition from his former stage name “Blacko” to “Black Sherif,” a change that coincided with his growing artistic maturity and vision. Such deliberate choices reflect the thoughtful approach that has characterized his career thus far.
Music critic Adwoa Mensah notes, “What makes Black Sherif’s success particularly fascinating is how he’s combined old-school methods of artistic development with a modern understanding of musical trends. The 15 months he spent writing before recording allowed him to develop a unique voice that stands out in today’s crowded music landscape.”
Beyond his personal creative process, Black Sherif emphasized the importance of building a strong creative team around him. In an industry where collaborative efforts often drive success, the artist credited his support network with helping translate his artistic vision into commercial triumph. This acknowledgment highlights the often-overlooked behind-the-scenes aspects of music production that contribute to an artist’s rise.
Ghana’s music industry has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade, with artists like Black Sherif representing a new generation of talent bridging traditional African sounds with global influences. His methodical approach to developing his craft offers an instructive case study for emerging artists across the continent who are looking to make a similar impact.
Music producer Samuel Owusu observes, “What Black Sherif is describing is essentially an apprenticeship in his own art form. Those 15 months weren’t just about writing lyrics but developing a worldview and artistic identity that would eventually resonate with millions. It’s an investment few young artists are willing to make in the streaming era.”
The revelation about his extended writing period also provides context for the depth and maturity evident in Black Sherif’s work. His music often tackles complex themes of struggle, resilience, and spiritual growth—elements that reflect not just talent but the kind of thoughtful perspective that develops through deliberate practice and reflection.
Black Sherif’s journey from BMX bikes and wedding dances to becoming one of Ghana’s most celebrated musical exports illustrates the diverse influences that have shaped his artistic sensibility. His childhood explorations across various creative disciplines appear to have informed his approach to music, contributing to the genre-blending style that has become his signature.
Fellow Ghanaian artist Amaarae commented on Black Sherif’s unique position in the industry: “He represents something authentic that can’t be manufactured. That authenticity comes from giving yourself the time to figure out who you are as an artist before the world gets to weigh in.
As streaming platforms continue to connect African music with global audiences, artists like Black Sherif who bring both distinctive local perspectives and universal themes to their work are positioned to lead the continent’s musical evolution. His success story suggests that even in an era of instant digital gratification, there remains significant value in patient artistic development.
With “Sacrifice” and “IRON BOY” continuing to gain traction across streaming platforms, Black Sherif’s revelation about his methodical beginnings provides fans and industry observers alike with valuable insight into the foundation upon which his rapidly expanding catalog rests. For aspiring musicians across Africa and beyond, his journey offers a compelling argument for prioritizing artistic development over immediate recognition—a lesson as timely as it is timeless.
As Black Sherif continues to evolve as an artist, the discipline and dedication that characterized his entry into the music industry suggest that his most significant contributions may still lie ahead. For now, listeners can appreciate not just the music itself, but the thoughtful process behind it that transforms raw talent into lasting artistry.
