This year’s BECE Exam question features Black Sherif

In a surprising turn of events, Ghanaian musician Black Sherif has been featured in the 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) as a subject of study in the Creative Arts and Design paper.

Specifically, Question 5(c) in Section B asks students to write brief notes on any of the following composers: Ephraim Amu, Agya Koo Nimo, or Black Sherif, focusing on their hometown, genre of work, a notable example of their work, and their contribution to society. 

The question reads: Write short notes on any one of the following composers, focusing on the hometown, genre of work, one example of his works and contributions made to the society. 

(i) Ephraim Amu

(ii) Agya Koo Nimo

(iii) Black Sherif

Black Sherif, born Mohammed Ismail Sherif, has experienced a spectacular rise to fame since the release of his debut single 'First Sermon' in May 2021. 

He quickly followed up with 'Second Sermon' in July 2021, but it was 'Kwaku the Traveller' that propelled him to superstardom. The song dominated digital platforms, reaching Number 1 on both the Ghanaian and Nigerian Apple Music charts. 

His debut album, 'The Villain I Never Was', released on October 5, 2022, solidified his position as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

The Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) is the main examination to qualify students for admission into senir high and vocational schools in Ghana.

The 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination which started on Monday, July 8, 2024 will end on Monday July 15, 2024.

However, the recent introduction of Creative Arts and Design as a new subject in the Common Core Programme (CCP) has sparked significant interest and excitement among stakeholders in the creative industry. 

This development is seen as a welcome move, recognising the importance of creative arts in fostering innovation, self-expression, and cultural enrichment. 

The inclusion of Black Sherif in the BECE examination question highlights the growing recognition of modern art forms and the impact of creative arts on society.