Entertainment of 2026-09-23
Black Sherif reveals story behind ‘Espresso’
Ghanaian musician Black Sherif has opened up about one of the deeply personal inspirations behind his song Espresso, revealing that the track was born from an emotional reunion with a childhood acquaintance whose talent left a lasting impression on him.
Speaking in an interview on TV3, he recounted how he unexpectedly reunited with pianist Philip, a young man he grew up around in Konongo Zongo but never had a conversation with despite living on the same block.
According to Black Sherif, they were never friends and attended different schools.
However, years later, fate brought them together at the home of a prominent man who had invited him to witness a drama and music performance.
There, Black Sherif was captivated by a pianist whose performance reminded him of a Broadway production until he discovered it was Philip.
“When everything was over, the guy behind the piano turned around and it was Philip. I was like, ‘I know you.’ He said he didn’t think I’d remember him. I told him, ‘Bro, I know you. You have to come and let’s create something together,’” he recalled.
He said the chance encounter became one of the key layers behind Espresso, explaining that he had often seen Philip carrying his piano to rehearsals while they were growing up, yet they never exchanged a word.
Reflecting on the experience, Black Sherif described the reunion as a precious moment that eventually led to the creation of the song. He revealed that when Philip later visited his house and began playing the piano, the melody instantly resonated with him and inspired the lyrics.
“So when he came to my house, he started playing the thing, the melody just stuck on. I just started writing, and I think it’s one of the best things I’ve ever written,” Black Sherif said.
PAT/EBBlack Sherif reveals story behind ‘Espresso’
Ghanaian musician Black Sherif has opened up about one of the deeply personal inspirations behind his song Espresso, revealing that the track was born from an emotional reunion with a childhood acquaintance whose talent left a lasting impression on him.
Speaking in an interview on TV3, he recounted how he unexpectedly reunited with pianist Philip, a young man he grew up around in Konongo Zongo but never had a conversation with despite living on the same block.
According to Black Sherif, they were never friends and attended different schools.
However, years later, fate brought them together at the home of a prominent man who had invited him to witness a drama and music performance.
There, Black Sherif was captivated by a pianist whose performance reminded him of a Broadway production until he discovered it was Philip.
“When everything was over, the guy behind the piano turned around and it was Philip. I was like, ‘I know you.’ He said he didn’t think I’d remember him. I told him, ‘Bro, I know you. You have to come and let’s create something together,’” he recalled.
He said the chance encounter became one of the key layers behind Espresso, explaining that he had often seen Philip carrying his piano to rehearsals while they were growing up, yet they never exchanged a word.
Reflecting on the experience, Black Sherif described the reunion as a precious moment that eventually led to the creation of the song. He revealed that when Philip later visited his house and began playing the piano, the melody instantly resonated with him and inspired the lyrics.
“So when he came to my house, he started playing the thing, the melody just stuck on. I just started writing, and I think it’s one of the best things I’ve ever written,” Black Sherif said.
PAT/EB
