Happy birthday Sarkodie: 10 lessons and inspiration to draw from his life

• Posted on July 10, 2015July 10, 2015
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• 3 Comments

Real name Michael Kwesi Owusu Addo, Sarkodie is a Ghanaian Rapper and Performer who was born on 10^th July, 1988 in Ghana.

Sarkodie’s life is an epitome of ‘It is possible’ and like me and many Ghanaians, so many lessons and inspiration can be drawn from his life. In his 27 years on earth and 6 years in limelight, Sarkodie’s life has inspired many with the following 10 lessons;

1. Preparation:

Even Jesus Christ prepared 30 years for 3 years Ministry so preparation is one pivotal part of every great person. Sarkodie was ‘underground’ (amateur) for more than 7 years before gaining recognition in the music industry. Throughout his ‘underground days,’ Sarkodie in several raps reiterate that, he took advantage of every opportunity to showcase his skill, even to the extent of performing at ‘wake-keeping’ ceremonies of the dead. “…Y3 hyease na Twitter nni wiasi, ya performi w) amanfo) ayiease …” in Baafira.

2. Steadfastness:

The name Sarkodie is not his real name. The reason he chose that name is that, anyone he knew with the name Sarkodie was successful in life, pointing to some of his father’s friends who were called Sarkodie and were successful. When he chose the name, he was told by many to rather choose a name which could be easily mentioned by the white and non-Ghanaians. Sarkodie nearly dropped the name but was convinced that, he would be successful if he chooses the name he believes is synonymous with success.

3. Audacity of Hope:

I remember a comment on www.233times.net when the medium posted about Sarkodie’s nomination in 2012 BET and the Reporter mentioned that he would win. The comment read “You think you can win BET with Twi? Funny, just celebrate the nomination and don’t think of a win.” To be frank, even Sarkodie himself wasn’t sure he would win the award but his unassailable success in that year made him an obvious winner. This has made many Ghanaian Artistes and others in other fields have the conviction that, regardless of what you do and how you do it, if you brand it to have an international appeal, you will be accepted in any part of the world.

4. A brand and national pride:

The name Sarkodie is synonymous with rap in Ghana. In one of his reportage, Nana Kwesi Coomson of www.233times.net mentioned that, a brand is when a name (noun) is used as a verb eg. Google the image, Sarkodie the bars etc. When any Publicist wants to promote a new Rapper, the name Sarkodie becomes an avenue to use to project the Up and Coming with headlines comparing the amateur Rapper to Sarkodie to gain attention.

Winning numerous international awards like the BET, MTV, among others, Sarkodie is nominated with the description ‘Sarkodie – Ghana.’ This has projected the country’s name to many international music lovers who had not heard Ghana before. He symbolizes Ghana’s music brand internationally.

5. Pay attention to relevant things ONLY:

It is rare to hear Sarkodie speak or grant interviews on every subject that comes in the media. He is tight lipped on most news about him that flood the media. He knows how to naturally kill defamatory stories by being silent and watching the media tickle itself and laugh. He appears not to be shaken by the negative reportage which even have the force to knock him off eg. Akon refuting rumours that, he did not sign him on Konvict Music, Ace Hood’s tweet on the money paid him before the collaboration, etc.

6. Surround yourself with the best:

Sarkodie has one of the best team in Ghana which many Artistes echo in interviews. In personal chats with Artistes, they envy his strong team which has promoted the Sarkodie brand so well both in Ghana and overseas. Sarkodie in an interview with Amanda Jissih on GH One’s ‘E Talk’ mentioned that, when Sammy Forson, his Manager came into the picture, things started changing. His enviable brand is as a result of those who understand the industry and are dedicated to his brand. When Angel Town Baby, his Personal Assistant received an award on behalf of Sarkodie in the just ended Ghana Music Awards, he gave one of the best remarks when attracted applause from the audience. He called on the Ministers and Board Members present and watching on TV to have a retirement plan and package for Ghanaian Artistes.

7. You have no excuse not to make it:

From a very humble beginning and raised by a single mother, Sarkodie recounts how he suffered during his upbringing as a child in a song ‘Mile 7 saga.’ He had to live with other relatives to attend Achimota Preparatory School in Accra. His joy was when he vacated and had to go back to his mother and grandmother in Tema and seeing his siblings (Kyeiwa, Yaa, Akwasi Emma) was his high. Anytime school reopened and he had to go back to Mile 7 in Accra, he was saddened by the thoughts of selling and the unbearable treats he had to face in Accra.

He also recounts when his mother had to sell her clothes to cater for them as children. Now Sarkodie is immensely rich; he owns his own homes, he paid for his youngest sibling’s school fees at Central University College, he flew his mother, sister on Business class to a show in America, he has investments running into millions of Ghana cedis, etc.

8. A role model worth emulating:

I don’t rap but Sarkodie is one of my many role models in the world. He is a role model for those who take inspiration from his success and how far he has gone in life. Ambassador for international brand like Samsung is one of the most enviable parts of his life. His face and songs are customized on Samsung Pocket brand of phones. Immediately someone puts the phone on, he is seen on the screen as a way of welcoming the user. Every person who has dreams of being global would take inspiration from this heavy Samsung Ambassadorial endorsement and know that he is a very good role model.

Again, people of all ages in Ghana celebrate him since he strategically composes songs to fit every age bracket.

9. Know how to dominate and dominate WELL:

If there is any Artiste in Ghana who has constantly dominated the media and the minds, eyes and ears of people, it is Sarkodie. He knows how to be in the media for stories which keep him relevant always. He has constantly become the reference and topic of discussion in most entertainment review programmes in Ghana. No month would pass without major Sarkodie news which attracts so much attention and discussions.

10. Don’t get satisfied too early/easily:

Many Ghanaian Artistes after winning Artiste of the year in Ghana Music Awards goes defunct. From the year 2000 downwards, almost every Artiste of the year in Ghana has been near-defunct because complacency ate them. Sarkodie has constantly used his award or nomination to aim higher and his 3 times nomination at the BET Awards is an indication. As he keeps saying in his song, Grammy is his next dream.

This is www.233times.net ‘s way of saying Happy birthday to Sarkodie and encouraging him to fly high the flag of Ghana and keep encouraging the Ghanaian youth.

Author: Nana Kwesi Coomson (www.233times.net) @nkcoomson for Twitter