Ghana: Sarkodie on new rendition of Bob Marley’s Stir It Up

The trailblazing musician and activist, who died in 1981, remains one of the most influential music brands globally, his songs in perpetual demand. Sarkodie is among Africa’s most influential and decorated pop acts. He is behind eight albums, the latest being 2022’s Jamz.

‘Stir It Up’ leans toward reggae’s precursor genre, rocksteady‎. It was originally released with pioneering band the Wailers and appears on the1984 compilation album Legend. Believed to be his most successful collection, the project was recently certified 14-times platinum in the UK.

Since its initial release, ‘Stir It Up’, like the rest of Marley’s outstanding catalogue, has been reimagined multiple times by various artists, including American singer Johnny Nash on his 1972 album I Can See Clearly Now and British ensemble Chineke! Orchestra in May 2022. Now, Sarkodie adds to that elite rank.

“What a way to kick-start this year,” the Ghanaian rapper said. “Definitely one of the highest moments in my career/life. Big shouts to the team at Island Records and the Marley family for getting me on this amazing project by the legend Bob Marley. Such a blessing to lay my vocals right next to the original vocals of the Gong.”

Last year, Nigerian singer Tems offered a rendition of Bob Marley’s classic ‘No Woman, No Cry’ for the film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.