2024 BECE Exam: Black Sherif in Creative Arts Question

The 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in Ghana, which began on July 8 and will conclude on July 15, has introduced a new subject in the Creative Arts and Design category, generating considerable excitement in the creative industry.

This move emphasizes the importance of creative arts in fostering innovation, self-expression, and cultural enrichment.

A noteworthy feature of this year’s BECE is the inclusion of popular Ghanaian musician Black Sherif in the examination questions. Specifically, Question 5(c) in Section B of the Creative Arts and Design paper asks students to write brief notes on one of three composers: Ephraim Amu, Agya Koo Nimo, or Black Sherif. Students are required to focus on the composer’s hometown, genre of work, a notable example of their work, and their contributions to society.

Black Sherif, born Mohammed Ismail Sherif, gained widespread fame with the release of his debut single “First Sermon” in May 2021, followed by “Second Sermon” in July 2021. His hit song “Kwaku the Traveller” propelled him to superstardom, topping digital platforms and reaching number one on the Ghanaian and Nigerian Apple Music charts. His debut album, “The Villain I Never Was,” released on October 5, 2022, further established his prominence in the music industry.