Let’s be real. When you think of Sarkodie, you think of a rap god. You think of sharp punchlines, complex flows, and a catalogue of hits that have defined Ghanaian hip-hop for over a decade. You think of his recent 2025 banger, “Violence” featuring Kweku Smoke, a track that proves he’s still at the lyrical top of his game. But to truly understand the genius of King Sark, you have to go back to 2015 and listen to Mary—an album that isn’t just one of his best, but one of the greatest Ghanaian highlife albums of the last decade.
Here at Jonilar.net, we believe Mary is a timeless project, and for any Gen Z fan wanting to grasp Sarkodie’s full artistic scope, this album is essential listening.
The “Why”: A Vibe Rooted in Love and Legacy
Before dropping Mary, Sarkodie had already cemented his legacy with four massive albums: Makye (2009), Rapperholic (2012), Sarkology (2014), and his collaborative project T.M.G. (2013) with Jayso. He was the undisputed king of rap. So, why a full highlife album?
The answer is beautifully simple: it was a tribute to his late maternal grandmother, Mary, who was a passionate highlife lover. Sarkodie has said she always wanted him to create a highlife project, and this album was his heartfelt answer to her request. It wasn’t a commercial gimmick; it was personal. The album dropped in an era of significant milestones for Sarkodie, reflecting on the sounds he grew up with and sharing a piece of his soul. This personal touch, leading into the period of his marriage to his wife Tracy, gives the album an authenticity you can feel in every note.
The Sound: A Masterclass in Live Production
In an age of digital beats and autotuned perfection, Mary stands out for one major reason: it was recorded entirely with a live band. This isn’t just a technical detail; it’s the core of the album’s magic. The organic feel of the horns, the warmth of the basslines, and the soulful strumming of the guitars create a rich, immersive experience. This is music that breathes.
The mastermind behind this sonic brilliance was the incredibly talented singer and songwriter, Akwaboah. He didn’t just feature on a track; he was the primary composer and arranger for the entire project. The synergy between Sarkodie’s vision and Akwaboah’s musical direction is what makes Mary a masterpiece. It set a new standard for album production in Ghana.
The Switch-Up & The Features: A Rap God Sings with Legends
The boldest move on Mary was Sarkodie himself. For the first time, we heard the rap god step back from his rapid-fire flows and embrace melody, singing throughout most of the album. This wasn’t just a rapper trying to sing; it was an artist showcasing his deep musicality and winning the hearts of a whole new audience.
The choice of features was flawless, like assembling the Avengers of Ghanaian music:
- Pat Thomas: The “Golden Voice of Highlife,” a living legend whose presence instantly gives the project a classic feel.
- Obrafour: Sarkodie’s own “godfather” in the music industry, bringing his iconic rap-singing style to the table.
- Efya & Mugeez (of R2Bees): Two of the most powerful and soulful vocalists of their generation, adding contemporary flair and emotional depth.
- Akwaboah: The album’s secret weapon, not only shaping the sound behind the scenes but delivering a stunning vocal performance himself.
The Legacy: Awards and Enduring Impact
Mary was not just a critical success; it was celebrated by the industry. At the 2016 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (now the Telecel Ghana Music Awards), the album deservingly won the coveted Album of the Year award.
Since Mary, Sarkodie has continued his reign, dropping four more iconic studio albums: Highest (2017), Black Love (2019), No Pressure (2021), and Jamz (2022). Yet, Mary remains a unique and pivotal moment in his discography.
For the Gen Z SarkNation fan, Mary is more than just an old album. It’s a testament to artistic courage, a love letter to Ghanaian heritage, and proof that Sarkodie’s talent knows no boundaries. It’s the reason he’s not just one of the best rappers, but one of the greatest and most versatile musicians Ghana has ever produced. Go stream it, and understand the full story of the King.