In a few short years, Black Sherif has gone from a young Ghanaian boy with a dream to one of the continent’s most powerful musical voices. His raw energy, deep lyrics, and genre-defying style have earned him a global fan base and recognition from some of the biggest names in the industry. But who is the man behind the music?
This article takes a deeper look into Black Sherif’s life, from his real name and humble beginnings to his rise as one of Africa’s breakout stars.
Real Name and Age
Black Sherif’s real name is Mohammed Ismail Sherif Kwaku Frimpong. He was born on January 9, 2002, making him 23 years old as of 2025.
He hails from Konongo-Zongo, a small town in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. A location renowned for its rich musical heritage and culture. Growing up, Black Sherif was exposed to a mix of Islamic traditions and culture, both of which continue to shape his music today.
Education
Despite his rising fame, Black Sherif never abandoned his education. He attended Konongo Zongo Islamic Basic School and later moved on to Pinamang Educational Complex for his secondary education.
He also enrolled at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), before transferring to the University of Ghana (UG) to further his studies in the arts. Even with the demands of his music career, Black Sherif has emphasized the importance of balancing education with creativity.
The Music Journey
Black Sherif began his musical career in earnest around 2019, releasing tracks on social media and gaining traction with freestyles and short clips. His big break came in 2021 with the release of “First Sermon” and later “Second Sermon,” both gritty, emotionally charged songs that reflected street life, ambition, and personal struggle.
However, it was the remix of “Second Sermon” featuring Burna Boy that catapulted him into the African music mainstream. The remix gave him a cross-border boost and cemented his spot among West Africa’s top emerging talents.
In 2022, he dropped his debut album, “The Villain I Never Was,” which became an instant hit praised for its depth, storytelling, and blend of Afrobeats, drill, and highlife.
Black Sherif continues to make waves with his recent music in 2024 and 2025, respectively. He also released a 15-track album on April 2nd, 2025, which has over 96 million streams on AudioMack. The album titled “Iron Boy” is making waves and topping charts. These releases have gained millions of streams on platforms like YouTube, Boomplay, Spotify, and AudioMack.
Read Also: Meet Camidoh The Rising Star Redefining Afrobeats from Ghana to the World
Record Label & Management
Currently, Black Sherif is signed to Empire Distribution, a US-based label that manages major acts across the globe. The partnership has helped expand his reach internationally, landing him performances on big stages and collaborations with artists across Africa and beyond.
Locally, he works closely with his personal management team in Ghana to maintain his brand and creative direction.
Achievements and Recognition
Black Sherif’s rise has not gone unnoticed. He has won the “Artist of the Year” award at the 2023 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) (now known as the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA)). He also performed on major stages, including Wireless Festival UK, the MOBO Awards, and Afro Nation. Moreover, he received nominations at the BET Awards and MTV Africa Music Awards.
His unique ability to blend storytelling, street culture, and emotion has made him one of Ghana’s biggest musical exports in recent times.
Why Black Sherif Matters
Beyond the awards and hit songs, Black Sherif represents a generation of young African artists who are redefining what it means to succeed on your own terms. His music talks about pain, growth, betrayal, ambition, and faith, themes that resonate globally.
He is not just making music; he is telling the story of a boy from Konongo who believed in his voice and never gave up.
Conclusions
Black Sherif’s journey is still unfolding, and if his recent releases are any indication, the best is yet to come. Whether you are a longtime fan or just discovering him, one thing is certain. Black Sherif is here to stay, and he is only getting started.
Stay tuned for more from this bold, brilliant Ghanaian superstar who is turning pain into power and lyrics into legacy.
Watch a few of the videos he uploaded to TikTok below for a clearer view of what you have read above.
@blackosherif Lord I’m Amazed
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