By Grace Zigah
Award-winning Ghanaian rapper Michael Owusu Addo, popularly known as Sarkodie, has offered fresh insight into his long-standing decision to rap predominantly in Twi, framing it not just as a creative choice but as a cultural statement and strategic identity move that has shaped his global career.
Speaking in an interview with The Voice as part of preparations for the UK edition of his annual Rapperholic concert, Sarkodie reflected on his journey from local radio in Ghana to international stages, insisting that language has never been a limitation in his rise to global relevance.
Instead, he argued that emotional connection, quality, and authenticity matter more than linguistic accessibility.
The rapper, who has shared platforms with international stars such as T-Pain, Giggs, Idris Elba and Miguel, said his exposure to diverse cultures and audiences only strengthened his belief that music transcends language barriers.
According to him, these global collaborations reinforced a philosophy he has held since the early days of his career — that music is a universal language capable of crossing borders without translation.
Sarkodie revealed that he consciously rejected the idea of switching to English purely for international appeal, explaining that doing so would have stripped his music of its uniqueness.
He said he wanted his native tongue to be heard on major global platforms, including international radio stations, as a way of projecting Ghanaian identity to the world.
Beyond language, Sarkodie emphasised the technical and emotional foundations of music, noting that sound quality, delivery, and presentation are what truly connect with listeners. He explained that audiences often form deep attachments to songs even when they do not understand the lyrics, a phenomenon he has personally experienced as a fan of international music.
Drawing on his upbringing, he recalled how many Ghanaians grew up listening to American rappers such as Eminem and Busta Rhymes without fully understanding their lyrics, yet still connected deeply with the music because of its energy, rhythm, and quality. He made similar comparisons with Jamaican music, which enjoys global appeal despite the distinctiveness of patois.
For Sarkodie, the emotional power of music is more important than comprehension. He argued that if music is well produced and well presented, it will always find the right audience, regardless of language barriers.
In his view, listeners respond more to how music makes them feel than to the specific words being spoken.
He acknowledged that language inevitably creates limitations in audience reach but described it as an unavoidable trade-off every artiste must make.
According to him, every creative choice involves sacrifice, and the key is deciding what one is willing to lose in order to remain authentic.
He compared this to American rapper J. Cole’s lyrical style, which may not resonate linguistically with rural Ghanaian audiences, just as Twi lyrics may not be fully understood in the US or UK — yet emotional connection still exists.
Sarkodie explained that while Ashanti audiences may fully grasp his lyrics, international listeners may not understand the words, but they can still “feel” the music through sound, energy, and performance.
This, he said, is what has allowed his work to resonate beyond Ghana’s borders.
He attributed his international collaborations and performances not to language adaptation, but to the quality and universality of his craft, stressing that his success abroad is rooted in staying true to his identity rather than reshaping it for foreign markets.
