I Feel Beneath Someone When Rapping in English” – Sarkodie Explains His Preference for Twi

Story By: Zainab Ali

Multiple award-winning Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie has opened up about why he feels more comfortable expressing himself through Twi rather than English, explaining that his mother tongue gives him a stronger sense of confidence when performing.

Speaking on an episode of The Fuse, the rapper revealed that although he initially started his music journey by rapping in English, he eventually discovered that he could communicate his thoughts and emotions more effectively in Twi.

According to Sarkodie, performing in English sometimes makes him feel inferior, an experience he does not encounter when rapping in his native language.

He described Twi as his “superpower”, explaining that the language allows him to express himself freely without feeling that he is competing from a disadvantaged position.

“I started rapping in English but felt like I was beneath someone when I rap in English. But when I rap in Twi, I feel equal to any other rapper in the world,” he said.

His comments have brought renewed attention to the role of indigenous languages in Ghanaian music and the importance of cultural identity in artistic expression.

Sarkodie’s decision to build much of his musical identity around Twi has also contributed to his distinctive position in African hip-hop, demonstrating that local languages can connect with audiences beyond Ghana.