"SARKODIE IS A BEAST OF A RAPPER" – OBRAFOUR

Micheal Elliot Kwabena Otchere Darko, commonly known as Obrafour, has declared Sarkodie as the best rapper he has met in his career.

It is common knowledge to many Ghanaians that Sarkodie idolises Obrafour, a man he calls father and mentor and has on many occasions referred to as ‘the best rapper’.

The two have worked together on many tracks including ‘Life’, ‘Elijah’ and ‘Hiplife’.

But in an emotional and revealing interview on STARR CHAT on Starr 103.5FM on Wednesday, Obrafour said among all the young artistes he has met over the years, he is strongly drawn to Sarkodie and his talent.

“There is only one artiste that when it comes to Hiplife and what we do - there is this young man who blows my mind. I’ve told him that any day, anytime, whatever he needs from me I’m ready to give. This young man is Sarkodie” he declared.

“I’ve seen many; I’ve heard many, and there is something about him that I cannot really put a finger on. And seriously, this guy is a beast of a rapper! Sarkodie!” he said emphatically.

Obrafour rose fast on the Ghana music scene when he came out with his first album, ‘Pae Mu ka’ in 1999.

The album won him ‘Rapper of the Year’, ‘New Artiste of the Year’ and ‘Best Hiplife song of the Year’ at the 2000 Ghana music awards ceremony.A Secondary level school dropout, his creativity, ingenuity and deep lyrical contents made him the most respected and loved rapper in his time.

His work earned him the title ‘Ghana Rap Sofo’.

Speaking to host, Kwabena Anokye Adisi aka Bola Ray on the Wednesday evening show, Obrafour admitted he was greatly influenced as an individual by ‘Hiplife Grandpapa’ Reggie Rockstone.

“At the time I started, Reggie was already on the scene and that whole enthusiasm caught me. And so I got into it. By then I never thought it would come to be like it is.”

“Reggie. I call him the revolutionist! Reggie had a lot of influence on my career. I believe strongly he is one of the best. I think he has paid his dues” he added.

Obrafour said the younger generation of Hiplife artistes must be commended for their exploits.

“I believe the young ones are doing well. They are taking advantage of social media. They are putting their songs everywhere and getting recognized.”

His appearance on the STARR CHAT on Wednesday October 8, 2014, the third inductee into the STARR HALL OF FAME.

The program is designed to celebrate great Ghanaian achievers.