Mohammed Ismail Sherif Kwaku Frimpong[1] (born 9 January 2002),[2] professionally known as Black Sherif, formerly Blacko,[3] is a Ghanaian singer and rapper. He initially gained popularity in 2021 with his song “First Sermon,” which he released that May. This was followed up with the “Second Sermon” in July. His breakthrough came in March 2022 with his hit single “Kwaku the Traveller,” which reached Number 1 on the Ghanaian and Nigerian Apple Music charts.[5] (Its music video has been viewed 17 million times.) He then released his debut album, The Villain I Never Was, on October 5, 2022. Mohammed Ismail Sherif was born and raised in Konongo-Zongo, in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. As both his parents worked mostly overseas,[6] he started living with his aunt and other extended family members at the age of 10. His nomadic lifestyle exposed him to multiple influences and different cultures at a very early age. Sherif attended his basic education at Konongo Zongo Islamic Basic School and later at Pinamang Educational Complex, where he graduated junior high school. He then later completed his secondary education at Kumasi Academy, where he picked up an interest in music and dancing. A former student of the University of Professional Studies (UPSA), he was studying at the University of Ghana as of October 2022. Black Sherif began his career in 2019 with the release of his song “Cry for Me” on YouTube. His debut single “Money” was released on May 25, 2020, along with a music video. In May 2021, his single “First Sermon” was released, further increasing his audience. The song’s sequel, “Second Sermon,” was released in July and received a remix with fellow African artist Burna Boy.