Ghanaian music sensation, Black Sherif has opened up about the challenges he faced during his childhood when his mother left him to live with his father in Greece.
The impact of this separation according to him shaped his personality and fueled his determination to overcome adversity.
In an interview with Okay Africa, the ‘Kweku Frimpong hitmaker shares the powerful story of resilience and triumph as he reflected on his upbringing in the vibrant community of Konongo Zongo.
“I didn’t have a constant home after my mom left,” he confessed
In the magazine feature, he shared that growing up he was very timid and sheltered by his mother which caused him to face the complexities of living in a community he perceived as “crazy.”
“I used to be very timid as I grew up with my mom. The people in my community were very crazy. She would tell me ‘Don’t go outside.’ You know, ‘we are not like these people,” he said of his childhood.
The pivotal moment in Black Sherif’s young life came when his mother left him behind to join his father Greece. The void left by her departure exposed him to new challenges and vulnerabilities.
Without the guidance and protection of a parent, he found himself subjected to bullying and a sense of isolation.
It was during this time that he felt the need to adapt and embrace a certain level of audacity to navigate the harsh realities he encountered.
“When my mom left me, I started getting bullied and I didn’t have no one to go to. You understand me? I needed to adopt some craziness.” Black Sherif shared.
In parts of the interview, he also speaks about being homeless when he moved to Accra during the recording of the ‘First Sermon’. Despite this, he maintained an unwavering belief in the possibilities life offers.
“I kind of talk for a frustrated figure in the city, a frustrated boy,” Sherif explains. “I’m not from the city, but I live in the city. I came to chase a life and dream there. From love to entertainment to survival. Driving out there, I’m testing my limits.”