Background and career
Michael Owusu Addo (born 10 July 1985), known professionally as Sarkodie (), is a Ghanaian rapper, songwriter, and entrepreneur from Tema. His contributions to the Ghanaian music industry have earned him numerous accolades, including the Ghana Music Award for Artiste of the Decade. He won Best International Flow Artist at the 2019 BET Hip Hop Awards. Sarkodie is considered one of the major proponents of the Azonto genre and dance. He has been labeled a "multifaceted rapper" and frequently raps in Twi.
Sarkodie, the fourth of five children was born on 10 July 1985. He was raised in Koforidua. His mother is from Cape Coast. He grew up in Tema where he started schooling. In his track, "Mile 7 Saga", he talked about how he was maltreated by a guardian he lived with. He attended Tema Methodist Day Senior High School and proceeded to the IPMC College of Technology, where he earned a degree in graphic design. Sarkodie began his music career as an underground rapper and gained recognition through rap competitions such as participating in Adom FM's popular rap competition Kasahare Level.
Following his collaboration with Hammer, Sarkodie recorded his debut album, Makye. Its production was primarily handled by Killbeatz and Jayso. The album features guest appearances from Kwaw Kese, J-Town, Sway, and Paedae of R2Bees. Makye received positive reviews from critics and fans. It was supported by a concert held at Holy City Gardens in Accra. On 16 September 2009, Sarkodie performed alongside Busta Rhymes at the Busta Rhymes Live in Ghana concert. In 2010, his "Push" and "Baby" songs were ranked ninth and thirteenth on Joy FM's Top 50 songs of 2009, respectively.
Sarkodie's second studio album, Rapperholic, was released in 2012. It features guest appearances from Efya, Chidynma, Mugeez of R2Bees, Obrafour, Jayso and EL. The album was supported by five singles: "Good Bye", "One Time For Your Mind", "You Go Kill Me", "Living Legend", and "Onyame Nhyira". It received positive reviews from music critics. Sarkodie went on a nationwide tour to support the album. Rapperholic earned Sarkodie his first BET nomination and subsequent win. Sarkodie was also featured on the BET Hip Hop Awards cypher alongside Talib Kweli, Jean Grae and Ab-Soul. He was the only African act featured on the cypher.
