Award-winning rapper Sarkodie has said that, despite achieving international success throughout his career, Ghana remains his greatest priority.
Speaking on the BBC’s This Is Africa with DJ Edu, the rapper reflected on his journey, disclosing that his proudest moments abroad were never about individual accolades but about seeing fellow Ghanaian artistes share in the success.
Sarkodie recounted winning major international awards, including the BET Award and MTV honours, but said his focus was always on whether other Ghanaian musicians such as Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale and R2Bees were present to celebrate alongside him.
“My Ghanaian-to-the-bone is insane. Even when I was winning the BET and the MTV, I realised what I cared most about was the fact that I was in LA without any Ghanaians.
“It would be my night. I won Best International Flow, but all I’m looking at is, ‘Where’s Stonebwoy? Where’s my chale? Where’s Shatta Wale? Where’s R2Bees?’ I wanted all of us to sit there together. Then I’ll be excited, even if I don’t win.”
According to Sarkodie, that mindset has shaped his career and remains the driving force behind his ambitions.
“I just realised that my country is my top priority. So what I’m doing – yes, I’m doing it for Africa, but of course I’m Ghanaian. That’s my top priority.”
The rapper also dismissed suggestions that he is motivated by personal records or industry recognition, insisting that his mission extends beyond individual achievements.
“Somebody else might have a personal ego thing that they want to fulfil, for people to say he’s able or she’s able to do it. Trust me, I’m far from that. It’s not about the numbers.”
