Ghanaian award-winning entertainment pundit and blogger, Derrick Manny Everywhere has made a bold prediction that Black Sherif will be the first Ghanaian musician to receive a Grammy award.
“Black Sherif will be the first Ghanaian musician to win a Grammy,” Derrick said. “Looking at his musical journey and how far he has come, when you listen to his songs, you can tell this is real music.”
Black Sherif’s music is seen as the embodiment of Ghana’s musical evolution and global potential.
Hailing from Konongo-Zongo in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, Mohammed Ismail Sherif Kwaku Frimpong, popularly known as Black Sherif or Blacko, burst onto the scene in 2021 with “First Sermon” and “Second Sermon.” His emotive storytelling and fusion of highlife, drill, reggae, and rap captivated audiences, setting him apart as a unique voice in African music.
His breakthrough came with the remix of “Second Sermon” featuring Nigerian Grammy winner Burna Boy, and was cemented with the viral success of “Kwaku the Traveller” in 2022, which topped charts in Ghana and Nigeria.
Black Sherif’s debut album, The Villain I Never Was, received critical acclaim and debuted at number 12 on the Billboard World Albums Chart. His sophomore project, Iron Boy (2025), has further solidified his global reach, entering top charts including Apple Music USA and Billboard’s World Albums.
Black Sherif’s Iron Boy is already making waves both locally and internationally, drawing praise for its matured sound and lyrical depth. The album blends his signature streetwise storytelling with experimental production that spans afrobeats, trap soul, and reggae.
One standout track, “Sacrifice,” has emerged as an anthem of perseverance, with its haunting chorus and raw lyrics resonating with fans facing their own struggles.
“Sacrifice” has quickly become a fan favourite, climbing streaming charts and sparking viral moments across social media. Critics have hailed it as one of Black Sherif’s most emotionally gripping songs to date, showcasing his growth as a songwriter and performer.
Some of Blacko’s accolades and International Reach are 2023 BET Hip Hop Award – Best International Flow, 2023 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards – Artist of the Year and 2023 Headies Awards (Nigeria) – West African Artiste of the Year, and recently earning a nomination as the best international Act at the BET awards 2025.
He also made history as the first Ghanaian to perform at the UK’s Wireless Festival, and has taken stages at Afro Nation, MOBO Awards, and other global festivals.
Derrick Manny Everywhere, known for his deep insights and bold commentary in Ghana’s entertainment space, remains one of the strongest advocates for Black Sherif’s Grammy potential. In a recent interview, he stated:
“Black Sherif’s sound is not just Ghanaian — it’s global. His voice, message, and rhythm resonate with a universal audience. If anyone from Ghana is poised to bring home a Grammy, it’s Blacko.”
Beyond music, Black Sherif represents a new wave of Ghanaian artistry rooted in authenticity. His lyrics speak of pain, resilience, hope, and ambition — themes that connect with youth across the continent and beyond. From street performances to global stages, Blacko’s rise symbolises the power of raw talent combined with vision and purpose.
With streaming milestones like 500 million plays on Boomplay, international chart appearances, and continued growth, Black Sherif stands at the cusp of history.
Should Derrick Manny Everywhere’s prediction come true, it will not only mark a personal victory for Black Sherif, but a monumental achievement for Ghanaian music.
Story by Obaapa Janee/ ahotoronline.com
