Black Sherif, the Ghanaian music sensation, has been the focus of attention in the 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination now includes the aforementioned component. (BECE) as a topic within the Creative Arts and Design paper, marking a significant acknowledgment of the influence of contemporary music on Ghanaian culture.
Within Section B of the examination, question 5(c) requires students to provide brief notes on one of three distinguished composers: Ephraim Amu, Agya Koo Nimo, or Black Sherif. The question tasks students with discussing the composer's hometown, genre of work, a notable example of their work, and their societal contributions.
The question prompt specifically states:
"Write brief notes on any of the following composers, focusing on the hometown, genre of work, one example of his works, and contributions made to society:
1. Ephraim Amu
2. Agya Koo Nimo
3. Black Sherif"
Black Sherif gained fame with his first single, "First Sermon," released in May 2021, and then pursued it up with "Second Sermon" in July 2021. However, it was "Kwaku the Traveller" that brought him into the spotlight, reaching Number 1 on both the Ghanaian and Nigerian Apple Music charts.
His first album, "The Villain I Never Was," released on October 5, 2022, further solidified his position in the music industry.
The BECE is a crucial exam for students looking to enter senior high and vocational schools in Ghana. The 2024 BECE began on Monday, July 8, and will run until Monday, July 15.
The addition of Creative Arts and Design as a new subject in the Common Core Programme (CCP) has sparked considerable interest and excitement among creative industry stakeholders. Been embraced as a positive development, recognizing the role of creative arts in promoting innovation, self-expression, and cultural enrichment.
The involvement of Black Sherif in the BECE exam shows the increasing acknowledgment of modern art forms and the influence of current artists on society. This significant move celebrates the contributions of contemporary cultural icons alongside traditional legends, reflecting the changing landscape of education and the arts in Ghana.