Sarkodie, the Ghanaian rapper known for his rapid‑fire verses, told listeners of the talk‑show The Fuse that he experiences a sense of inferiority whenever he performs in English, preferring instead to rape in his mother‑tongue, Twi. In the interview, recorded earlier this month, the artist explained that the switch to his native dialect boosts his confidence and allows him to convey emotions more authentically.
What makes Twi his “super‑power”?
Sarkodie described Twi as his artistic advantage, saying, “Rapping in Twi is my superpower. I express myself way better in my mother’s tongue. The emotions I want to put out come out best when I rape in my native language.” He added that the linguistic shift makes him feel on equal footing with any global rapper, whereas English leaves him feeling “beneath someone.”
Why did he start in English?
The rapper admitted that his early career featured English verses, but the lack of personal resonance prompted a change. “I started rapping in English but felt like I was beneath someone when I rape in English,” he recounted. “When I rape in Twi, I feel equal to any other rapper in the world.”
Key points from the interview
- Sarkodie feels a loss of self‑esteem when using English for rape lyrics.
- Twi provides him with a sense of artistic superiority and emotional clarity.
- He believes his performance in Twi places him on par with international peers.
- The discussion took place on The Fuse, a platform that showcases African music talent.
Background on the artist
Sarkodie rose to prominence in the early 2010s and has since become one of Africa’s most streamed musicians, winning multiple awards for his contributions to hip‑hop. His decision to rape primarily in Twi aligns with a broader trend among African artists who embrace indigenous languages to preserve cultural identity and differentiate their sound in a global market.
Understanding Twi
Twi is a dialect of the Akan language spoken by millions in Ghana. It carries rich proverbs, tonal nuances, and cultural references that can be challenging to translate accurately into English, especially in lyrical form. By rapping in Twi, Sarkodie taps into these linguistic textures, offering listeners a more authentic and resonant experience.
Implications for the Ghanaian music scene
Sarkodie’s candid admission may encourage other local musicians to prioritize native languages over English, potentially reshaping the lyrical landscape of Ghanaian rape. It also highlights the ongoing conversation about language, identity, and global competitiveness within African entertainment.
The interview underscores the artist’s belief that linguistic authenticity is essential for artistic integrity, and it reinforces the growing pride in using indigenous languages as a vehicle for worldwide musical influence.