**Occupation**: Rapper, songwriter, record producer, entrepreneur
**Years Active**: 2004 – present
**Labels**: SarkCess Music, D-Black’s Black Avenue Music, etc.
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### **Early Life and Education**
Sarkodie was born in Tema, a port city in Ghana. He hails from the Akan ethnic group and grew up in a family with a passion for music. From a young age, he showed an interest in performing arts and rapping. Sarkodie attended **Tema Methodist Day Secondary School**, where he completed his secondary education. He then enrolled at **IPMC (Institute of Professional Media Communication)** in Accra, where he studied graphic design, but his love for music soon took over.
### **Music Career Beginnings**
Sarkodie's music career began in the early 2000s when he started rapping under the stage name "Sarkodie" and released his first notable tracks. His breakthrough came in 2007 when he appeared on *"Sway in the Morning"*, a popular radio show, and impressed listeners with his freestyle skills.
His first major breakthrough in the Ghanaian music scene came when he featured on the track *"Baby"* by Ghanaian artist Mugeez in 2008. In 2009, his career gained serious momentum when he released his debut album, **"Makye"**, which featured several hits like *"Push"*. The album helped him solidify his place in the Ghanaian music industry.
### **Rise to Fame**
Sarkodie's second album, **"Rapperholic"** (2012), was a game-changer, marking him as one of the biggest names in African hip hop. The album included hit singles like *"You Go Kill Me"* and *"New Day"* featuring Mugeez. Sarkodie’s unique ability to blend English with local dialects, especially Twi (a major language in Ghana), earned him widespread acclaim.
His 2014 album **"Sarkology"** further cemented his reputation as one of the most successful and influential artists in Africa. The album included collaborations with several high-profile artists, including Wizkid, 2Baba (formerly 2Face), and many others.
### **International Recognition**
Sarkodie’s fame spread beyond Ghana, particularly after winning the *Best International Act: Africa* award at the **2014 BET Awards**. He became the first Ghanaian artist to win this prestigious award, a testament to his impact on the global stage.
He followed this up with numerous international accolades, including the **MOBO Award** for Best African Act in 2012 and **MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMAs)**.
### **Business Ventures and Entrepreneurship**
In addition to his music career, Sarkodie is also a successful entrepreneur. In 2014, he founded **SarkCess Music**, his own record label, which has signed several artists and helped boost the careers of emerging talents in the Ghanaian music industry. He is also involved in various business ventures, including a clothing line called **Sark by Fela**.
Sarkodie is known for his advocacy for African culture, and he often uses his platform to promote and celebrate African traditions. He has been actively involved in charity work, particularly in education, with his Sarkodie Foundation helping underprivileged children in Ghana.
### **Personal Life**
Sarkodie is married to **Tracy Sarkcess** (née Amoateng), with whom he has a daughter. He has often shared glimpses of his family life on social media, and his relationship with Tracy has been an inspiration to many of his fans.
### **Discography**
Sarkodie has released numerous albums and mixtapes throughout his career, with each project showcasing his lyrical skill and evolution as an artist. Some of his major works include:
- **Makye** (2009)
- **Rapperholic** (2012)
- **Sarkology** (2014)
- **Mary** (2015)
- **Highest** (2017)
- **Black Love** (2019)
- **No Pressure** (2021)
### **Awards and Achievements**
Sarkodie has won countless awards, including:
- **BET Awards** (Best International Act: Africa, 2014)
- **MOBO Award** (Best African Act, 2012)
- **MTV Africa Music Awards** (Best Hip-Hop, 2014)
- **Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA)** (multiple awards, including Artist of the Year and Best Rapper)
### **Legacy**
Sarkodie is widely regarded as one of the greatest African rappers of all time. His influence extends beyond music, as he has been a cultural ambassador for Ghana and Africa as a whole. Sarkodie’s lyrical talent, storytelling ability, and commitment to his craft have made him a respected figure not only in hip hop but in the broader African music industry.
His continued success both locally and internationally has inspired countless young artists across Africa and beyond to pursue music with passion and excellence.
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