|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie has described his decision to embrace the Twi language as one of the defining factors behind his success, saying it allows him to express emotions more authentically and perform with greater confidence.
In an interview in Kenya, the award-winning musician explained that he initially pursued music in English but later realised that rapping in his mother tongue gave him a stronger identity and helped him stand out in the competitive international music industry.
According to Sarkodie, expressing himself in Twi allows his message and emotions to connect more naturally with listeners.
“I think that’s my blessing. That’s my power. That’s my mother tongue. I express myself way better, and the emotions I want to put out come across best when I rap in Twi,” he said.
Why Sarkodie chose Twi
The rapper recalled that his decision to switch from English to Twi was not immediately accepted by everyone.
At the time, some people believed that using a Ghanaian language could limit his chances of gaining international recognition.
However, Sarkodie said the change helped him discover what made his music different and gave him the confidence to compete with artistes from other parts of the world.
He also shared an amusing observation about foreign fans who try to sing along to his songs, particularly some Nigerian listeners who sometimes struggle with the pronunciation of Twi lyrics.
Although he finds some of their attempts entertaining, he believes they reflect the interest and appreciation his music receives beyond Ghana.
BET Award and international performances
Sarkodie pointed to his achievements as evidence that artistes do not necessarily have to abandon their cultural identity to succeed internationally.
His career includes winning a BET Award, performing at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London and building a strong following across different markets.
He also referenced his anticipated appearance at the O2 Arena as another milestone in his international journey.
Reflecting on how far he has come, the rapper encouraged people with unconventional ideas to remain confident, even when others doubt their ambitions.
“If Sarkodie was able to use Twi to go and take the BET Award and bring it back home and sell out the Royal Albert Hall, and [is] about to sell out the O2, I think everything else that you believe in, just keep believing in that,” he said.
Sarkodie wants to inspire others
Beyond music, Sarkodie said he hopes his journey will encourage people who feel different from others to pursue their ideas with determination.
He believes that individuals in different industries should not abandon their ambitions simply because their ideas or approaches appear unusual.
“I just want to be able to give that hope to whoever sounds different. Whether it’s in any other business or you’re coming up with different ideas, I think you have to be very stubborn about it and go and get it,” he added.
His comments highlight the role of cultural identity in his musical journey and offer encouragement to emerging creatives who may feel pressured to conform to conventional expectations.
For Sarkodie, embracing Twi was not a limitation but a strength that helped shape his identity and connect Ghanaian music with audiences around the world.
