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.
āMusic Is the Languageā
āMusic is the language,ā 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.
āI wasnāt willing to rap in English because then there wouldnāt be any difference. I wanted to hear my native tongue on big radio stations outside Ghana, and I was able to do that,ā he said.
Emotion Over Vocabulary
Sarkodie stressed that what matters most is not vocabulary but delivery. āThe technical bit of music is that music is music. It just has to be very good,ā he added. He pointed out that audiences often connect with tracks even if they donāt understand the lyrics. Listeners worldwide enjoy music in languages they donāt speak, from Eminem and Busta Rhymes to Jamaican patois songs.
Presentation and Connection
āThe key is presentation and emotional connection,ā Sarkodie said. āIf the music is very good, youāre 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 theyāre hearing.ā
Choosing What to Lose
He admitted that rapping in Twi might limit understanding for some international listeners, but believes emotion bridges the gap. āYouāre going to lose something regardless. You just have to choose what you want to lose,ā he explained. He compared his approach to J. Cole, whose lyrical depth may not resonate with rural Ghana audiences. Similarly, Sarkodieās Twi lyrics might not be fully understood in the US or UK, yet the energy and rhythm still reach people. āAshantis will understand what Iām saying. America and the UK might not get the words, but they can feel the music.ā
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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