Ghanaian music sensation Mohammed Ismail Sherif, popularly known as Black Sherif, has revealed that his first recorded song was not welcomed by many while he was still finding his feet in the music industry.

He says that did not discourage him because he was rather inspired by the mere fact that he had become a musician, regardless.

During an interview with a US-based media platform, BET, the artist said, “In 2019, that was when I had my voice on a song for the first time, and I brought it to school. A lot of them didn't like it, but I didn't care because I finally had something to show someone that I'm a musician. I make music. It was just one song, and I was just so proud of that, and I couldn't wait to get out of high school.”

Just as graffiti artists use walls to reflect social or personal realities, Black Sherif said music was his way of dealing with the challenges he faced in his daily life.

"I'm a big fan of graffiti artists and people who reflect whatever the condition or the atmosphere is. That's what I wanted my music to be.”

Black Sherif has since risen to prominence with hits like "First Sermon" and "Kwaku the Traveller," blending highlife, drill, and hip-hop to tell authentic stories of resilience and identity.

The 23-year-old is also a nominee for Best International Act at the 2025 BET Awards, competing against Tyla (South Africa), Rema (Nigeria), Any Gabrielly (Brazil), Ayra Starr (Nigeria), Basky (UK), Uncle Waffles (Swaziland), Ezra Collective (UK), Joé Dwèt Filé (France), MC, Luanna (Brazil), and SDM (France) in the category.

The superstar continued to affirm his place as one of Africa’s most compelling musical voices with a raw, soul-stirring performance of his track ‘ONE’ on the acclaimed COLORS platform.

Alongside confirmation of new London and Birmingham live dates, where he will headline London’s O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on July 4th and 5th and perform at Birmingham’s O2 Institute on July 6th, the new performance is stripped back and emotionally charged.

Norwegian-Ghanaian musician Britz has listed Black Sherif and 5 other artists as some of the most popular Ghanaian artists currently making waves in Norway.

Speaking in an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Britz noted that Ghanaian music is gaining significant traction among Norwegian audiences, thanks in part to social media platforms like TikTok and increased access to African content.

"The music is becoming more popular now. I think with TikTok and the easier access people have to get insight into Africa, it's now becoming more popular. People are now listening to the likes of King Promise, Black Sheriff, KiDi, Kojo Black, Sarkodie and, Stonebwoy,” he said.

Watch the video below: