Afropop Worldwide

Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie is headlining a powerhouse lineup of Nigerian and Ghanaian stars at the Apollo Theater on Aug. 8. For several years now, Sarkodie has been one of Ghana’s biggest stars, with his massively successful releases blurring the lines between hiplife, Afrobeats and the dance craze azonto. One of his biggest hits is the incredible “Adonai,” which features Castro, a popular singer whose disappearance after a jet-ski accident last year was subject to so many rumors that Ghanaian soccer star Asamoah Gyan was forced to release a statement denying his involvement in the ritualistic murder and sacrifice of his friend. Regardless of the tragic circumstances surrounding the song, its beat is massively catchy and Sarkodie raps with unstoppable swagger in pidgin and Twi, while donning a very fly white tunic, gold chain and sunglasses in the song’s video. More recently, Sarkodie released the laid-back “Mewu,” on which his quick-paced rapping flows harmoniously with the melodic crooning of the singer Akwaboah. Sarko combines one of the best ears for pop hooks in the world right now with some of the most flashy, charismatic rap skills in the game. Afrobeats stars rarely play in New York, so this upcoming show at the Apollo, one of New York’s most historic venues, is a very big deal. Also on the billing are Afro-soul artist Efya and the BET Award nominee Ice Prince, among several others. You can get tickets for the show here, and stay tuned for more Afropop coverage of the show to come.