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In the past, this event was known as Christmas. However, in 2019, the Ghanaian government declared it the “year of return” and extended an invitation to African Americans to return to their ancestral home. This led to the rise of Detty December, a popular celebration filled with music, parties, and cultural discussions among Africans, British-Ghanaians, and members of the global diaspora. This annual gathering has become a vibrant and lively event, with a constant stream of energy and activities.
The biggest occasion is AfroFuture, a two-night concert held in a stadium that attracts over 40,000 attendees. It is at this event where I have the pleasure of meeting the talented singer, Black Sherif, after his captivating headlining performance. Despite being a significant part of the Afrobeats scene – even catching the attention of Africa’s biggest star, Burna Boy, who asked to collaborate on the remix of his song “Second Sermon” – Blacko, as he is fondly known, does not identify as an Afrobeats artist. Nana Kwasi Wiafe, creator of the Very Ghanaian brand and stylist for Beyoncé’s “Black Is King,” describes him as a bridge between the younger and older generations. Blacko’s music carries the traditional sound of Ghana’s highlife genre and blends it with contemporary influences such as drill, reggae, and rap. However, attempting to categorize his music is futile as soon as he begins to sing in his clear, urgent, and mesmerizing voice, whether in Twi or English.
The singer’s distinct voice has led to great accomplishments in recent times, such as appearing at the Mobo awards, Wireless festival, and winning a BET award for best international flow. He is currently building connections in the UK, as his latest single features popular British singer Mabel and he will be walking at London fashion week in a few days. He expresses amazement at the impact his music has on people worldwide.
Blacko, previously known as Mohammed Ismail Sharrif, was born in Konongo-Zongo, a mining community in the Ashanti region of Ghana known for its gold deposits. At the age of 10, his mother, who worked as a seamstress, left for Greece, leaving him with a sense of loss that he still feels today. This childhood experience of constantly moving around has greatly influenced his storytelling style, which is characterized by vivid and visual elements. He strives to be completely open and honest in his music, using his experiences to create dramatic and powerful narratives. He describes his music as a form of drama, often referring to it as “drama in a voice pipe.”
The main character, who is usually portrayed as him, reflects on his shortcomings in the well-known song “Kwaku the Traveller.” He sings, “I definitely messed up! Who hasn’t made mistakes? Raise your hands…oh wait, no one!” In another song, “Yaya,” the line “I am considered an outsider in my own hometown, in my own city” expresses a feeling of isolation.
By openly facing his struggles without any shame, Blacko, a psychology student at the University of Ghana, validates similar emotions in his listeners who may not be inclined to introspection. In his recent single “January 9th”, released on his 22nd birthday, he sings a soothing song to himself: “Even though I have pain in my heart, I am doing well.” Similar to Beyoncé’s “Break My Soul” which allows her to resist by sleeping well, Blacko celebrates the triumph of being okay despite facing challenges – an especially valuable message in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement and the growing issue of male mental health.
In his latest release, Fallen Angel, he portrays a beautifully melodic conversation between two sides of himself, one that is thoughtful and personal. He questions whether he will succumb to his imperfections or rise to the top. Ultimately, he shares that his main priority is taking care of his loved ones.
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Smallgod, the producer of the track, explains that it was made with a strong expression of love. The message behind it stems from a profound aspect of Blacko’s being and connects with people regardless of their religious beliefs. It speaks to the universal search for enlightenment.
Despite the suffering depicted in Blacko’s pieces, the main message conveyed is one of optimism. He aims to caution individuals about the struggles of life before offering strategies to overcome them. According to Smallgod, Blacko’s intentions are pure and he is selective about his actions and surroundings. At just 22 years old, he possesses a remarkable level of intelligence that surpasses his age. Unlike others who may rely on guidance, Blacko appears to be knowledgeable in all aspects.
Due to his warm, gentle, and joyful demeanor, which aligns with the Ghanaian character, Blacko the artist is also adored as Blacko the person. He expresses, “I connect with this!” and strives to remain genuine while bringing positivity into people’s lives.
He covers the costs of meals for underprivileged children and medical expenses for disadvantaged mothers, while also offering guidance to the numerous younger individuals he meets who remind him of his former self. He communicates with them as equals, emphasizing the harsh realities of life and letting them know that it doesn’t necessarily get easier. He remains honest and shares his personal struggles, encouraging them to persevere and reminding them to always have love and passion for what they do.
During his performance at AfroFuture, Blacko exudes a positive energy, showcasing his dance skills alongside his singing. He concludes the show with a powerful mantra, repeatedly chanting “My mind is filled with oil, everything I touch is blessed, and I only see blessings. No one can hinder my success.” The crowd enthusiastically joins in, echoing the words with the fervor of a preacher.
“I have a unique way of expressing my music through colors,” he explains. “For me, ‘Oil in My Head’ evokes feelings of freshness, hence the white and blue hues. Whenever I play this song, I am compelled to act it out outside, as it feels like a prayer to me. It embodies my manifestation and gratitude for being anointed. With a pure heart, I believe everything I touch will turn to gold.”
Source: theguardian.com
