BET awards, global recognition prove Twi is no barrier in rap – Sarkodie

Ghanaian rapper Michael Owusu Addo, popularly known as Sarkodie, has described his decision to rap predominantly in Twi as his greatest artistic strength.

He says the language allows him to express himself better and compete confidently on the global stage.

He said performing in his mother tongue gives him a sense of identity and freedom that he did not experience when he initially rapped in English.

Speaking during an interview on Kenya's Capital FM on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, as part of his ongoing visit to the East African country, the award-winning musician said choosing Twi despite doubts about its commercial potential was a defining decision in his career.

"I think that's my blessing. That's my power. You know, that's my mother tongue. I think I express myself way better and say the emotions that I want to put out. It comes out best when I rap in Twi," Sarkodie said.

Responding to a question about how he hopes to be remembered, the rapper said his journey was driven by his determination to pursue an idea that many people initially considered unrealistic.

He recalled that some people in Ghana questioned how far he could go by rapping in Twi, given the perception that the language would limit his international appeal.

However, he said his achievements, including winning a BET award and performing at major international venues, had demonstrated that local languages should not be seen as barriers to global success.

"If Sarkodie was able to use Twi to go and take the BET award and bring it back home and sell out the Royal Albert Hall and about to sell out the O2, I think everything else that you believe in, just keep believing in that," he said.

Sarkodie's ongoing African visits is dubbed 'The African Diaries', which includes stops in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Nigeria.

The rapper announced the trip after his Rapperholic Kumasi 2026 concert, clarifying that the visits were not intended for musical performances but to explore other African countries and connect with people.