Explore 20 essential Sarkodie songs, from career-defining hits to deep cuts.
Sarkodie—Michael Owusu Addo to the world before the mic—stands as more than a rapper. He’s a cultural architect, a Ghanaian trailblazer who’s spent over a decade and a half crafting a legacy that’s as much about artistry as it is about identity.
Born in Tema, Sarkodie cut his teeth in the raw, unfiltered rap battles of Adom FM’s Kasahare Level, a proving ground where words were weapons and rhythm was king. From there, he’s climbed to dizzying heights—seven studio albums, a string of singles that hit like thunderclaps, and a trophy case boasting the Vodafone Ghana Music Award’s “Artiste of the Decade” and BET’s Best International Flow in 2019.
What sets him apart isn’t just the accolades; it’s the way he stitches Twi and English into a sound that’s hiplife at its core, hip-hop in its bones, and Afrobeats in its swagger.
These 20 essential songs aren’t just highlights; they’re the heartbeat of a career that’s still pumping strong even in 2025.
1. Babe (ft. Mugeez)
From his debut album Makye, this track marked Sarkodie’s first real push into the mainstream after building a reputation through mixtapes and feature appearances. Mugeez’s (of R2Bees fame) smooth, velvety hook balances Sarkodie’s hungry, rapid-fire delivery—showcasing a rookie mastering both street grit and effortless charm.
2. Borga (ft. J-Town)
Another standout from Makye, Borga takes aim at flashy returnees—Ghanaians who come back from abroad, draped in chains and rings, eager to flaunt their wealth. Sarkodie’s razor-sharp Twi delivery oozes sarcasm, cutting through Jayso’s stripped-down production with precision. A well-placed J-Town bridge adds to the track’s depth, blending sharp satire with masterful storytelling and proving Sarkodie’s early command of his craft.
3. Lay Away (ft. Jayso & Sway)
On this track, Sarkodie is all about flexing his untouchable flow. Also from Makye, this is Sarkodie fully unleashed—rapid, relentless, and in total command. Jayso not only crafts a hard-hitting production but also delivers a memorable hook. UK-based Ghanaian rapper Sway, featured on the track, wisely avoids trying to match Sarkodie’s blistering pace, opting instead for a laid-back delivery that complements the track’s intensity.
4. I’m In Love With You (ft. Efya)
Lifted off Rapperholic, his sophomore album, this track marked the first of many collaborations with Efya, laying the foundation for their undeniable musical chemistry. Unlike his street-heavy tracks, this one leans into soul, pulling Efya into a ballad where smooth beats cradle Sarkodie’s rare tender bars, while her vocals glide effortlessly like silk. This song was a turning point— a signal to the world that Sarkodie could step out of the battle rap armor and into something softer
4. U Go Kill Me (ft. E.L)
Sarkodie unleashed this in 2011 on Rapperholic, with E.L. riding shotgun and Nshorna Muzick crafting the beat. It’s the Azonto spark that lit a global fire—irresistible rhythm, bars that snap like twigs, and a vibe that turned dancefloors into playgrounds. This track didn’t just chart; it birthed a movement, cementing Sarkodie as a cultural force.
5. Dangerous (ft. E.L)
Sarkodie and E.L. reunited for this single, once again backed by Krynkman’s production. It’s a seamless Azonto sequel—pure dancefloor heat with a flow that’s both sharp and playful. Sarkodie wasn’t just riding the wave after U Go Kill Me; he was doubling down, proving he could keep the momentum going.
6. Saa Okodie No (ft. Obrafour)
Rapperholic gets introspective here. Obrafour, hiplife’s sage, blesses it with a hook, while Sarkodie unpacks his trials—poverty, doubt—in Twi. Saa Okodie No is more than just a song; it’s a heartfelt thank-you note to his roots, a sermon in lyrical form. It also marked the passing of the torch from one Ghanaian rap king to the next.
7. Illuminati
Sarkodie dropped this in 2013 on Sarkology, with Magnom’s dark, brooding beat setting the tone. It’s a middle finger to conspiracy whispers—bold bars that turn rumors into fuel. The video’s lavish, almost taunting, and it only stoked the chatter. This is Sarkodie owning the narrative.
8. Original
Sarkodie went solo for this July 10, 2013, birthday release—no features, just pure, unfiltered confidence over a Fortune Dane production made for stadiums. A staple in his live performances, it’s more than just a track; it’s a flex, a concert opener, and a bold declaration of who he is at his core—raw, real, and relentless.
9. Lies (ft. Shaker)
A sleeper hit from Sarkology, this track delivers betrayal in rhythm—fast, sharp, and unflinching. Sarkodie’s storytelling shines as he unpacks a tale of lies, heartbreak, and deception in a relationship. Shaker’s somber hook softens the sting of Sarkodie’s verses, creating a perfect contrast. Beyond the hook, Shaker also takes credit for the production, adding depth to the song’s emotional weight.
10. Adonai (ft. Castro)
Sarkodie and Castro dropped this 2014 Sarkology monster—over 100 million YouTube views and counting. It’s his biggest hit, a soaring anthem with Castro’s hook that’s equal parts triumph and tragedy after his disappearance. Sarkodie’s verses anchor it; this is legacy in sound.
11. Mewu (ft. Akwaboah)
Mewu is raw emotion laid bare—a love song featuring multiple award-winning songwriter and highlife stalwart Akwaboah. As the lead single from Mary, Sarkodie’s highlife album dedicated to his late grandmother, the track blends heartfelt Twi verses with Akwaboah’s beautiful vocals. Like the rest of the Mary album, it embraces live instrumentation, adding warmth and depth to its timeless feel.
12. Love Rocks (ft. Samini)
Samini’s reggae roots and Killbeatz’s production pull Sarkodie into new territory—a rare departure from his hip-hop foundation. Yet, he navigates it effortlessly, gliding over the beat with ease. Love pulses at the heart of the track, as the two Ghanaian music legends take turns blending ragga and rap, wooing their love interest. The fusion feels natural, seamlessly merging rap’s sharp edge with the rich, lingering warmth of roots reggae.
13. Pain Killer (ft. Runtown)
Sarkodie teams up with Runtown on this 2017 track from his Highest album, produced by TSpize. It’s bright, infectious, and effortlessly warm—a global hit with an undeniable vibe.
15. Bossy (ft. Jayso)
Another standout in Sarkodie and Jayso’s long history of collaborations. As the title suggests, it’s pure braggadocio—Sarkodie in full command, spitting with unrelenting confidence, every line a crown forged in fire. The track drips with swagger, a bold declaration of dominance. But its most memorable moment? Sarkodie’s closing bars—meant as a respectful nod to rap peer M.anifest—unexpectedly igniting one of the most intense beefs in Ghanaian rap history.
16. Can’t Let You Go (ft. King Promise)
Lifted from Sarkodie’s Black Love album, this track blends King Promise’s silky hook with Sarkodie’s heartfelt rap verse—an ode to love, loyalty, and lifelong commitment. The video’s warm, matrimonial glow reinforces the message, featuring real footage from Sarkodie’s wedding, making it making it a deeply personal anthem.
17. Oofetso (ft. Prince Bright)
Prince Bright of Buk Bak fame brings this track to life with a hook that echoes the golden era of hiplife in the ’90s and early 2000s. Sarkodie’s verses are razor-sharp, packed with grit and provocation, each bar landing like a calculated punch. Some even speculate it’s a subliminal shot at Shatta Wale, though Sarkodie has never confirmed it. Regardless, it remains one of his biggest hits in recent years.
18. Anadwo (ft. King Promise)
This love song is perfectly crafted for intimate moments after hours. Anadwo (meaning “at night”) captures the essence of romance, simmering with quiet passion. King Promise’s smooth crooning melts into Sarkodie’s refined Twi verses, creating a nocturnal embrace in sound. With lush production, intoxicating vocals, and a steady, heartfelt rap delivery, it’s a slow-burning anthem that lingers.
18. Country Side (ft. Black Sherif)
This track unites two generations—Sarkodie’s refined mastery meets Black Sherif’s raw intensity at a pivotal moment in his rise. More than just a hit, it’s a symbolic co-sign, with a hook that strikes deep and a collaboration that feels like mentorship in motion.
20. Non-Living Thing (ft. Oxlade)
Non-Living Thing, from Sarkodie’s 2021 album No Pressure, is a heartbreak anthem featuring Oxlade, set against a moody Afrobeat-hip-hop backdrop. Sarkodie weaves between Twi and English, reflecting on betrayal, while Oxlade’s soulful hook embodies the agony of lost love. Their blend of raw lyricism and haunting melodies perfectly captures the pain of a broken bond.
