D’banj made us believe that Africa can make it – Sarkodie

CEO of SarkCess Music, Sarkodie has stated that that Nigerian star, D’banj, was instrumental in the push for African music to receive the global spotlight it deserves.

2016 has seen an explosion of African sounds in the international market, with Wizkid, Alikiba, Davido, Ayo Jay, Stonebwoy, Okuntakinte and other acts getting international deals from major labels.

Sarkodie believes that the time is right for Africa, and attributes all of it to D’banj, who first pushed for international acclaim by signing for Kanye West-owned G.O.O.D Music in 2011.

“I think it’s about that time. I think it’s our time. There was always gonna be a time when Africa was gonna take over, so it’s our time, it’s the right timing now, and we are proud to be part of the whole movement. I always give props to D’banj who made us believe that certain things can happen.

“And now you have the likes of them Wizkid, Davido, myself, Ice Prince, R2bees, Stonebwoy…we pushing it. I think it’s just the time for Africa to take over, everybody I going to be a part of it, and Afrobeat is the new sound.”

Sarkodie is currently in Johannesburg, South Africa, for the 2016 MTV Africa Music Awards. The veteran rapper is nominated in the ‘Best Collaboration’ category for Nigerian Patoranking’s song No Kissing. All he feels is happiness and gratitude for being on the big stage again.

“It feels great to be back again, to be at the MAMAs again to be recognized,” Sark told Pulse. “We’ve been in the game for a while. Over the years, being appreciated by Africa, there’s no word to explain that. I thank the fans, and I thank the MAMAs for keeping us in there.”

The sixth edition of the MAMA takes place at the Ticketpro Dome in Johannesburg on October 22, 2016.