Ghanaian rap icon, Sarkodie, has publicly acknowledged being an introvert, finally confirming long-standing reports about his reserved and unsociable demeanor.
In an honest conversation with Way Up host Angela Yee, Sarkodie discussed the origins of his “laid back” style, tracing it back to a difficult childhood.
Sarkodie, whose given name is Michael Owusu Addo, said that he spent his formative years in the care of an unnamed man after being separated from his parents. The struggles he encountered while under this person’s guardianship left an indelible mark on his character.
“I had to endure serious hardships while living with someone; I didn’t know where my mom and dad were. It was a tough start, and the experiences I had were far from the best,” Sarkodie shared, though he chose not to delve too deeply into the specifics.
These early struggles molded his tendency to be more reclusive and observant in life. He found solace in standing on the sidelines, watching events happen without actively participating, an attitude he cultivated to deal with life’s difficulties during those challenging times.
Despite the difficulties, Sarkodie has no ill will toward the person responsible for his upbringing. He sympathizes, acknowledging that they did their best at the time. Nonetheless, he admits that the tough circumstances he faced have left an indelible mark on him.
As the saying goes, every cloud has a silver lining, and Sarkodie’s life is a testament to this adage. During those trying times, he discovered his writing talent, which eventually paved the way for his music career. Writing became his means of expressing his emotions and experiences, transforming into an outlet for creative expression.