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I do modern highlife with reggae influences – Black Sherif takes up his genre
Ghanaian talented artist Mohammed Ismail Sharrif, professionally known as Black Sherif, has talked openly about the inspirations that influenced his career and his own brand of contemporary highlife with reggae undertones.
In an exclusive interview with CNN, the emerging artist delved into his musical odyssey, shedding light on the pivotal moments that propelled him towards a full-fledged career in music.
Black Sherif shared insights about his personal journey, recounting the decision to embark on a professional music path immediately after completing high school.
With great admiration for his homeland, the artist eloquently portrayed Ghana’s rich musical heritage, especially highlife, and paid homage to his Ghanaian influences.
He elaborated on how the timeless genre of Highlife has significantly shaped his own musical identity.
Black Sherif expressed his artistic vision, aiming to seamlessly amalgamate traditional Ghanaian melodies with contemporary elements, thereby crafting a distinctive and innovative musical style.
He described his relationship with Highlife as inherent, stating:
“I think I am highlife whatever I do, even most of the rhythms and melodies I use are straight highlife but I didn’t grow back then so this is a modern highlife with reggae influences and stuff”.
🚨ICYMI🇬🇭🎶: “I am highlife, whatever I do; my sound is modern highlife with reggae influences” – Blacko
VGMA 2023 AOTY & globally acclaimed Ghanaian highlife artiste, @blacksherif_, is the latest to speak to @LarryMadowo on @CNNAfrica African Voices: Changemakers.
🦅🇬🇭 pic.twitter.com/tfTjLHHErP
— Ölele | DTS👨🏾🍳🇬🇭 (@OleleSalvador) August 30, 2023
Black Sherif’s music is marked by a contemporary reinterpretation of highlife, a genre deeply rooted in West African culture.
Reflecting on his musical upbringing, Black Sherif warmly recalled the pivotal role his parents played in introducing him to the realm of music.
He shared that both his mother and father had a deep passion for music. When he first met his father, the introduction to reggae music left a lasting impact, evoking a unique feeling within him.
Furthermore, he noted that his mother’s musical choices contributed to broadening his musical horizons. These early influences not only moulded his musical preferences but also sowed the seeds of his own creative journey.
The fusion of original music and reggae that he encountered during his formative years laid the foundation for his distinctive approach to music creation.
This insightful interview with Black Sherif took place after his performance at the 2023 Afro Nation concert in Miami and was conducted by CNN.