Ghanaian traditional music artiste, Sherifa Gunu, has urged young artistes not to lose themselves in what she describes as “fast food” music, though she acknowledged the allure of following current music trends.
Instead, she advises them to embrace authenticity and draw inspiration from timeless legends such as Osibisa, Amakye Dede, and Angelique Kidjo—icons who remain relevant and celebrated decades into their careers, thanks to their originality and cultural rootedness.
In an interview with Graphic Showbiz, Sherifa emphasized her commitment to staying true to her musical heritage.
“I don’t and never will follow trends. The outcome? Timeless music. That’s what I want to encourage our artistes, especially the upcoming ones, to aim for. Be true to yourselves as Ghanaians,” she said passionately.
She lamented that many young talents seem to abandon their roots in pursuit of overnight fame.
“Sadly, it looks like some of our artistes forget their identity just for quick recognition. But take a look at legends like Osibisa, Amakye Dede, and Angelique Kidjo. They remained authentic and still made global history. What I want them to understand is this: if you imitate too much, you fade away,” she warned.
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Sherifa’s own journey in showbiz has not been a smooth one. Her first major step into the limelight came in 1998 when she placed second in the then-popular national dance competition, Embassy Pleasure, a prominent fixture on Ghana’s entertainment scene in the ’90s.
Since then, she has grown into a respected name in the music industry. In 2017, she released Salamatu and has a strong discography that includes albums like Dagbon, Akwaaba Wo Africa, and African Woman. Her contributions to music have earned her multiple accolades over the years.
Despite her achievements, Sherifa didn’t shy away from addressing the challenges faced by women in the music industry, particularly those who do not conform to conventional beauty standards.
“I’ve encountered many obstacles, from being sidelined at major events to being told to prioritize my appearance over my artistry,” she revealed. “The industry is not kind to women. Event organizers rarely give us space, and sadly, some even expect us to trade our bodies before our music gets heard.”
Sherifa remains outspoken in her advocacy, consistently encouraging young female artistes to lead with their talent and integrity.
“My message to them is simple: let your talent do the talking. It may not bring instant success, but it will endure.”
