Background:

Mohammed Ismail Sherif Kwaku Frimpong, professionally known as Black Sherif (formerly Blacko), is a Ghanaian singer, rapper, and fashion model. Genres: Highlife, Drill, Rap.

Early Life and Education:

Mohammed Ismail Sherif was born and raised in Konongo-Zongo, Ashanti Region, Ghana. With both parents working overseas, he began living with his aunt and extended family at the age of 10.

This nomadic lifestyle provided him with exposure to diverse influences and cultures early on. Sherif completed his basic education at Konongo Zongo Islamic Basic School and later attended Pinamang Educational Complex, graduating from junior high school.

He then finished his secondary education at Kumasi Academy, where he was active in the Literary Group (LG) under the students' representative council. This involvement sparked his interest in music and dance. He initially studied at the University of Professional Studies (UPSA) and was attending the University of Ghana as of October 2022.

Career:

Black Sherif began his music career in 2019, releasing his song "Cry for Me" on YouTube. He followed this with his debut single "Money" on May 25, 2020, which included a music video.

His rise to fame accelerated in May 2021 with the release of "First Sermon," which garnered significant attention. This was succeeded by the sequel "Second Sermon" in July 2021, featuring a remix with the renowned African artist Burna Boy.

His breakthrough occurred in March 2022 with the single "Kwaku the Traveller," which hit Number 1 on the Apple Music charts in Ghana and Nigeria, ultimately becoming his most recognised song.

He released his debut album, The Villain I Never Was, on October 5, 2022, supported by hit singles like "45" and "Soja." Black Sherif has collaborated with notable artists, including Sarkodie, Smallgod, Tory Lanez, Amerado, Stormzy, and DJ Breezy.

He gained recognition in August 2022, being named "Up Now" by music streaming service Audiomack, highlighting its importance in his music-sharing journey. His performance at the 25th anniversary of the MOBO Awards at the OVO Arena in Wembley, London, marked another milestone in his career.

Every December, he hosts his debut concert, the Zaama Disco Concert, in Accra since 2022, followed by winning the Best Hip Hop award at the Soundcity MVP Awards in February 2023. Since then, Black Sherif has played at prominent festivals, including the Wireless Festival in Abu Dhabi and Afronation Miami, becoming the first Ghanaian to perform at the Wireless Festival in the UK.

Musical Style and Artistry

Black Sherif's music fuses highlife, reggae, and hip-hop, particularly influenced by UK drill—a subgenre of drill music that emerged from Chicago and gained popularity in London.

His lyrics frequently incorporate Akan dialects like Twi, his native tongue. His musical influences include international artists such as Kanye West, Travis Scott, Saint Jhn, Dave, Stormzy, and J Hus, alongside Ghanaian artists like Mugeez and Sarkodie.

Major Hits and Discography

Major Hits:

"Kwaku the Traveller" (2022) - reached Number 1 on Apple Music in Ghana and Nigeria.

Discography:

• The Villain I Never Was (October 6, 2022)

• Iron Boy (April 3, 2025)

• Take Care of Yourself Blacko (double single) (August 10, 2023)

Notable Singles:

"First Sermon" (2021), "Ankonam" (2021), "Second Sermon" (Remix) (featuring Burna Boy) (2022), "Kwaku the Traveller" (2022), "Money" (2022), "Soja" (2022), "Oh No" (2023), "Wotowoto Season" (featuring Odumodublvck) (2023), "Fallen Angel" (featuring Smallgod) (2024), "January 9" (2024), "Zero" (2024), "Shut Up" (2024), "Kilos Milos" (2024), "Lomo Lomo" (featuring KiDi) (2024), "Jesus Christ" (featuring Arathe Jay) (2024), "Rebel Music" (2024), "So It Goes" (featuring Fireboy DML) (2025).

Awards and Recognition

He won "Artiste of the Year" at the 2023 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards. He again won the "Best International Flow" at the 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards and was nominated for the 2025 BET Awards.

Personal Life:

As of late 2025 or early 2026, Black Sherif is not married. While there have been media speculations about his dating life, he has not publicly introduced a wife.

There are no credible reports or confirmations that Black Sherif has any children. Black Sherif has shared a traumatic personal experience regarding the death of his first love, who passed away at the age of 17.

He has expressed that this loss deeply affected him and has influenced his music, including his song "Oh Paradise."

He has indicated that the "home" he lost as a child is now replaced by his "music," suggesting that his primary focus is on his career.

Lawsuit:

On April 11, 2022, Shadrach Agyei Owusu, also known as Snap and the CEO of Waynes Chavis Consult, filed a lawsuit against Black Sherif for breach of contract.

Owusu alleged that he had invested in Black Sherif's career and claimed that Black Sherif had signed a distribution agreement with a company named Empire, violating a Business Management Contract dated August 18, 2021.

He sought injunctive relief prohibiting Black Sherif from performing without his authorisation. The case between Shadrach Agyei Owusu and Black Sherif has reached a conclusion, as Shadrach Agyei Owusu was unable to provide adequate evidence to support his allegations of revenue retention and financial losses.

On January 16, 2026, the High Court (Commercial Division) in Accra issued a final judgment, officially ending the long-running dispute. The ruling confirms that Black Sherif bears no significant liability, effectively resolving the lawsuit.

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