Ghanaian trap and Afrobeats sensation Black Sherif is living the dream, but things could have been very different.
In a recent interview on the Afro Select Show, the Konongo Zongo hitmaker got candid about what his future might have looked like without music—and it wasn’t glamorous.
“If I wasn’t doing music right now, I would probably be hustling crazy, doing clothes stuff in Accra… or maybe if I wasn’t in Accra, I would be selling my daddy’s tyres in Konongo,” he said.
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Known offstage as Mohammed Ismail Sherif, the star reflected on his roots and how music gave him an escape from a life of street hustle and family trade.
Humble Beginnings: Selling Clothes or Spare Parts
The Alternative Hustle Life in Accra or Konongo
Black Sherif shared that without music, he would likely be part of Ghana’s thriving secondhand clothing market, selling “bend-down boutique” items on the busy streets of Accra. Alternatively, he could have stayed back in Konongo, working in his father’s business, which involves selling spare engines and car parts.
“My dad sells spare engines, spare parts and those stuff — that’s a family business,” he revealed.
This glimpse into his background reminds fans of how grounded the artist still is, even after achieving international recognition.
High School Escapades: Dancing, Gambling, and Breaking Rules
Life as a Student in Kumasi
During the interview, Black Sherif also reminisced about his time at senior high school in Kumasi. Though he was in boarding school, he often bent the rules to explore his passion for music, dancing, and even a bit of risk-taking.
“Back in high school, I didn’t really like to stay in school. I used to sneak out to go dance or gamble in Tech [KNUST],” he shared with a laugh.
The mention of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana’s top tech institution, adds context to his youthful adventures. Learn more about KNUST here.
These stories paint a portrait of a young man with raw ambition, uncontainable energy, and a hunger for expression—traits that now define his artistic identity.
Iron Boy: Black Sherif’s New Album & European Tour
Fast forward to 2025, and Black Sherif isn’t selling clothes or tyres—he’s performing for thousands across Europe.
The artist is currently on a European tour to promote his highly anticipated new album, Iron Boy, which dropped on April 3, 2025. The album has already received praise from fans and critics alike for its genre-blending sound and deep storytelling.
🎧 Stream Iron Boy on Spotify
📺 Watch official videos on Black Sherif’s YouTube channel
Why Fans Love Black Sherif’s Realness
Black Sherif’s openness about his struggles, roots, and “Plan B” makes him one of the most relatable music stars today. Whether it’s lyrics or interviews, he never shies away from the truth, and that vulnerability resonates across generations.
His story isn’t just about fame. It’s about what’s possible when you chase a dream, even when the odds are stacked against you.
From Konongo Zongo to Global Recognition
Black Sherif’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, talent, and authenticity. While he could’ve been hustling spare parts in Konongo, today he’s putting Ghana on the map with music that speaks to the soul.