Ghanaian music sensation Black Sherif has shared the story behind his unique fashion sense, recalling even a time when he was beaten for sporting a particular hairstyle.
The ‘Second Sermon’ hitmaker responded to being described as one of Ghana’s best-dressed men. He explained that his style journey started after his mother travelled to Greece, leaving him in the care of his aunt.
“My whole style started in a woman’s closet—my auntie’s. When my mom left for Greece, I stayed with my auntie, and she had all kinds of stylish stuff. I’d sneak into her things, steal belts, and glasses. That’s when I got into appearances.”
Black Sherif
This early experimentation came with risks, as he recalled being beaten for a particular hairstyle.
“I also tried different hairstyles, like one called ‘backbone,’ and got beaten for it because it was too bold for where I was living. I’ve always been chasing freedom to dress how I want.”
Black Sherif
He also credited his mother, a seamstress, for his style.
“I used to sew my buttons for school. Even in high school, I’d alter my clothes because I couldn’t afford a tailor. If I didn’t like something about a shirt or a pair of sneakers, I’d cut it and make it my own.”
Black Sherif
He also touched on his venture into high fashion, specifically his walk for the brand Labrum at London Fashion Week in September 2023.
“As a teenager, I couldn’t afford real designer clothes, so I wore replicas. But now, I receive these things as gifts, and I feel like my fashion dream is coming true. After walking for Labrum, people told me I was natural at it.”
Black Sherif
Despite his initial doubts about his performance on the runway, he was encouraged by the strong positive reactions. “I thought I didn’t do a great job, but the reactions were strong. I’m still figuring out my way in fashion, but I believe in it,” he said.
Black Sherif Believes Collaboration Phase Still Coming
The Ghanaian musician shared how he earned international collaborations with some A-list singers in the creative arts industry.
He noted that he believes he has not entered his collaborative phase yet.
According to the musician, most of his collaborations with singers, such as Burna Boy, Vic Mensa, and Fireboy DML, among others, were based on personal relationships with them.
“Funny enough, I don’t think I’ve fully entered my collaborative phase yet. Most of the songs I’ve done came from relationships. Someone sent me a track, and I vibed with it. But after this album, I want to travel, sit with artists, connect spiritually, and create. To me, music is spiritual. A perfect collaboration is when everyone’s spirit aligns on a track. That’s the kind of collab I’m chasing.”
Black Sherif
Speaking about what inspired his lyrical flow and artistry in his “Iron Boy” album, he noted that most of the tracks on the album are his true-life challenges.
“It’s more elevated. Some of the beliefs I had two or three years ago. I am challenging them now. I have found new ways to be personal and vulnerable. There’s a song called One that talks about something that happened to my father last year that changed everything in my family. It’s a spiritual album. You’ll have to listen to it to feel what I’m saying.”
Black Sherif
Black Sherif Finds Power in Being Soft
The ‘Kwaku The Traveller’ hitmaker shared what inspires his decision to make songs that resonate with the youth.
The artist noted that the best way he can fight the system in the country is by creating songs to motivate the youth.
“I have learned we all fight the system in different ways. For me, music is how I respond. I’m honest in how I reflect what’s around me. Where I’m from, Zongos, you don’t often see guys being this vulnerable.”
Black Sherif
He further debunked the prolonged claim that a man is not supposed to be soft.
According to the “One” singer, he is more powerful when he is soft. “They’ll say, being soft gets you nowhere. But I say it anyway. And that gives me power,” he added.
He further explained the inspiration behind his ‘Victory Song,’ a track on his ‘Iron Boy’ album.
“… no one talks about that part of success. People see you on stage or travelling, but they don’t see the moments when the noise fades, and you are alone with your thoughts. That moment reminded me that I’m still that kid from back home, feeling things deeply. I want people to hear that. That’s the kind of artist I want to be.”
Black Sherif
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