“Abrewa Nana Advised Me Never to Stop Making Music” — Black Sherif

Ghanaian superstar Black Sherif has revealed that veteran singer Abrewa Nana encouraged him early in his career to remain relentless in his pursuit of music. In a recent interview, Black Sherif said that Abrewa Nana pulled him aside during one of his first performances and told him: “Never stop making music, you’ve got something special.”

Black Sherif described the moment as “a turning point” in his journey. He said he was still raw, hungry and unsure of his direction when Abrewa Nana’s words hit him like a jolt of clarity. “She looked right at me and said, ‘This gift you have, guard it; don’t let it sleep.’ Those words stuck with me,” he said.

The rapper and singer, known for blending drill, highlife and reggae influences, said that the encouragement came at a precarious time. “I was starting, wondering whether this was worth it, whether the sacrifices would pay off. Her words gave me renewed purpose,” he added. The moment, he shared, reconnected him to his grassroots, to his identity from Konongo in the Ashanti Region, and strengthened his resolve as he recorded early hits like “First Sermon” and “Second Sermon.”

Black Sherif credited Abrewa Nana’s remark with helping him overcome moments of self-doubt. He said he often returned to that statement in late studio hours, and when he felt external pressures to conform. “Whenever I thought of giving in, I remembered her voice telling me to stay. That’s when I realised this was more than a hobby.” He also highlighted how Abrewa Nana, one of Ghana’s pioneering female vocalists, exemplified longevity in the industry, a model he vowed to emulate.

The interview also touched on his recent global breakout. Black Sherif said that the seed planted by Abrewa Nana bore fruit when his music reached international charts and he began performing on global stages. “I felt I was justifying her belief in me,” he noted. He added that while he has collaborated with major African artists and toured internationally, he still views himself as a student of the craft.

Black Sherif’s comments have reignited appreciation within the Ghanaian music community for mentorship and legacy. Many social-media posts responded enthusiastically to the story, with fans and fellow musicians praising Abrewa Nana’s supportive gesture. One post read: “Every star has someone who told them to shine, thanks Abrewa Nana for being that voice.”

Reflecting on the broader message, Black Sherif said he wants young artists to pay it forward. “The industry needs voices that uplift. When someone comes to you saying ‘I want to quit’, you say what she said to me. We must build each other.” Endorsing mentorship, he urged young creators to keep faithful to their voice while holding one another accountable to excellence.

As Black Sherif continues to release new music and expand his footprint, this anecdote serves as a reminder of humble beginnings, affirmation and the importance of staying the course.

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