Sherifa Gunu to emerging artistes: authenticity lasts, imitation fades
Ghanaian traditional music powerhouse, Sherifa Gunu, is urging the next generation of artistes to resist the lure of what she labels as “fast food” music, a catchy but short-lived trend that often sacrifices authenticity for fleeting fame.
While she acknowledges that staying on top of trends can be tempting, Sherifa believes young creatives should instead anchor their sound in originality and cultural pride. She encourages them to look to timeless icons like Osibisa, Amakye Dede, and Angelique Kidjo—trailblazers who have maintained relevance for decades by remaining true to their roots and identities.
In an interview with Graphic Showbiz, Sherifa reaffirmed her personal devotion to preserving Ghana’s musical traditions.
“I don’t and never will chase trends,” she said emphatically. “The result is music that stands the test of time. That’s the legacy I want our up-and-coming artistes to build—one grounded in who they are as Ghanaians.”
She voiced concern over what she sees as a growing tendency among new artistes to distance themselves from their heritage in pursuit of instant recognition.
“Too many are losing themselves just to trend for a moment,” she said. “But when you study legends like Osibisa, Amakye Dede, and Angelique Kidjo, one thing stands out—they stayed authentic and still broke global boundaries. What I want young artistes to know is this: if you copy too much, you disappear.”
Sherifa’s own journey into the spotlight has been anything but easy. She made her first major public appearance in 1998 when she claimed second place in Embassy Pleasure, a wildly popular national dance competition that was a staple of Ghanaian entertainment in the ’90s.
From those early days, she has carved a respected space in the music scene. In 2017, she released Salamatu, adding to a discography that includes albums like Dagbon, Akwaaba Wo Africa, and African Woman. Her artistry has been widely recognized, earning her several awards over the years.
Despite her successes, Sherifa has remained candid about the hurdles female artistes often face, especially those who don’t fit the industry’s narrow ideals of beauty.
“I’ve faced a lot,” she shared. “From being passed over for major performance opportunities to constantly being told to focus on how I look instead of how I sing. The system is tough on women. Many event organizers barely include us, and some go as far as expecting us to offer our bodies before our music is even considered.”
True to her values, Sherifa continues to use her voice to advocate for women in music, urging emerging female artistes to hold fast to their talent and integrity.
“To the young women out there,” she said, “let your gift speak louder than your appearance. It might take longer, but it will outlive every trend.”
