Black Sherif - Shut Up (Single)
Black Sherif unveils an introspective new single, ‘Shut Up’ produced by close collaborator Joker Nharnah, also known for his acclaimed single ‘Second Sermon’. ‘Shut Up’ sees BET Award-winning Ghanaian sensation Black Sherif let out his frustrations on an energetically charged released through his record label, RBA and Empire. The song delves into the artist's personal experiences, irritations, and perspectives, taking listeners on a poignant journey through the evolution of his music. Known for his distinctive style and storytelling prowess, Black Sherif continues to push the boundaries and is now teasing his sophomore album due later this summer. Blacko has been on a roll this year with non-stop stand-out singles, including ‘Zero’ featuring Mabel, the birthday anthem, ‘January 9’, and ‘Fallen Angel’ alongside Smallgod.
Black Sherif has emerged as a musical force to be reckoned with, captivating audiences with a distinctive fusion of Ghanaian authenticity and global allure. Hailing from the vibrant streets of Konongo, the 22-year-old sensation has garnered widespread acclaim for his thought-provoking lyrics and masterful melodies. From the groundbreaking 'Sermon' freestyle to noteworthy collaborations with the likes of Burna Boy, Popcaan, Odumodublvck and Vic Mensa, and his chart-topping single 'Kwaku The Traveller,' Black Sherif has undeniably etched his mark as a potent voice in the industry. 'Kwaku The Traveller' dominated music charts and took TikTok by storm, firmly establishing him as one of Africa's most influential creative minds. Following this triumph, Black Sherif continued to ascend with the release of his highly-praised debut album, "The Villain I Never Was." The album further solidified his position as a trailblazer in the music scene. In a testament to his immense popularity, 2022/23 saw Black Sherif achieving remarkable milestones. He was crowned the most-streamed Ghanaian artist of the year on Spotify and earned the title of the most-streamed Ghanaian artist on Boomplay.
Self-proclaimed as the “street preacher,” Black Sherif, who was born Mohammed Ismail Sharif Kwaku Frimpong and is referred to as “Blacko” by those close to him, is already one of the foremost leaders for a new generation of African artists. He has gone against all odds handed to him since growing up in Konongo, a small mining town in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, to become the country’s biggest star. Embracing a diverse musical palette, he bridges the gap between Afrobeats, highlife, and Ghanian drill, showcasing his wordplay, storytelling, and linguistic versatility. The breakout success of "First Sermon" and "Second Sermon" in 2021 propelled Black Sherif onto the international stage, with "Kwaku The Traveller" earning him superstar status in 2022. “Kwaku The Traveller” exploded on TikTok and generated 100 million plus streams in 2022. It was named one of the best songs of 2022 by NPR, The Fader, Complex, and others. The success earned Black Sherif a “Best International Flow” nomination at the 2022 BET Hip Hop Awards.
His potent wordplay, illustrative storytelling and unique ability to seamlessly tread between dialects, regions and genres, combined with his captivating, explosive performances, have transcended his talents across borders. 2023 was a whirlwind for Black Sherif, who, for the first time, graced stages around the world, including Afro Nation Miami alongside Burna Boy, Pharrell’s Something in the Water Festival, Wireless Festival in London. Other recent highlights include his appearance on the blockbuster Creed III soundtrack, executive produced by J. Cole’s Dreamville, with “Blood, Sweat & Tears” alongside Bas and Kel-P, and his feature on “Celebrate,” a collaboration with Jamaican star Popcaan.Black Sherif was also one of the high-profile guests, alongside Idris Elba and Sheryl Lee Ralph, to accompany Vice President Kamala Harris in Ghana during her Africa tour in March. This year he continues in his pioneering way gracing the runways at LFW & PFW for Labrum & Off White. His recent performance at SXSW’s made a lot of noise and he has been profiled by Rolling Stone & The Guardian who say he is “ultra-inspirational”.