Black Sherif’s rise: From Konongo to global stages
Black Sherif, whose real name is Mohammed Ismail Sherif Kwaku Frimpong, is a Ghanaian rapper, singer and fashion model celebrated for bringing realness and rawness to Ghanaian music.
Born on 9 January 2002 in Konongo-Zongo in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, Black Sherif was raised primarily by his aunt and extended family due to his parents working abroad.
This upbringing exposed him to diverse cultural influences which shaped his unique musical style, a blend of highlife, drill and trap with deeply reflective lyrics.
He gained widespread recognition in 2021 with his hit singles First Sermon and Second Sermon, both of which went viral in Ghana and beyond.
The artiste’s major breakthrough came in March 2022 with the release of ‘Kwaku the Traveller’, a song that topped Apple Music charts in Ghana and Nigeria and amassed over 27 million views on YouTube. His music resonates largely due to its honesty and raw storytelling.
Black Sherif released his debut album ‘The Villain I Never Was’ on 5 October 2022 to both critical and commercial success.
In April 2025, he followed up with his second studio album, ‘Iron Boy,’ which highlights his artistic growth and lyrical depth. His rising profile earned him a nomination at the 2025 BET Awards, solidifying his standing as one of Africa’s most promising music talents.
The artiste began his entertainment journey as a dancer and rapper in secondary school, later discovering his gift for songwriting in 2019 when his debut single ‘Money’ gained viral attention.
Black Sherif is known for themes that reflect everyday struggles, youth experiences and authenticity in his craft, which he describes as bringing “realness and rawness to Ghanaian music.”
Beyond music, Black Sherif has engaged in fashion, partnering with the Italian sportswear brand ellesse.
He has also performed internationally at events such as the MOBO Awards in London, the Wireless Festival in the UK and concerts in New York City.
