Ghanaian rap star Sarkodie says he continues to rap mostly in Twi because music is about emotion and quality, not language. In an interview with The Voice ahead of the UK edition of his Rapperholic concert, he reflected on performing with global acts like T-Pain, Giggs, Idris Elba, and Miguel. These experiences reinforced his belief that music transcends words.
“Music Is the Language”
“Music is the language,” Sarkodie explained, noting that the phrase has been part of his social media biography for years. Early in his career, he chose not to switch to English just to appeal to global audiences.
“I wasn’t willing to rap in English because then there wouldn’t be any difference. I wanted to hear my native tongue on big radio stations outside Ghana, and I was able to do that,” he said.
Emotion Over Vocabulary
Sarkodie stressed that what matters most is not vocabulary but delivery. “The technical bit of music is that music is music. It just has to be very good,” he added. He pointed out that audiences often connect with tracks even if they don’t understand the lyrics. Listeners worldwide enjoy music in languages they don’t speak, from Eminem and Busta Rhymes to Jamaican patois songs.
Presentation and Connection
“The key is presentation and emotional connection,” Sarkodie said. “If the music is very good, you’re definitely going to find the right ears for it. You have to present it in a way that makes it pleasant for the listener. They have to feel it almost beyond what they’re hearing.”
Choosing What to Lose
He admitted that rapping in Twi might limit understanding for some international listeners, but believes emotion bridges the gap. “You’re going to lose something regardless. You just have to choose what you want to lose,” he explained. He compared his approach to J. Cole, whose lyrical depth may not resonate with rural Ghana audiences. Similarly, Sarkodie’s Twi lyrics might not be fully understood in the US or UK, yet the energy and rhythm still reach people. “Ashantis will understand what I’m saying. America and the UK might not get the words, but they can feel the music.”
Global Collaborations
This philosophy, Sarkodie said, has allowed him to collaborate with global artists like Idris Elba and Giggs, and perform alongside stars such as Miguel and T-Pain. He attributes these opportunities not to the language he raps in, but to the universal appeal and quality of his craft.
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