FirstBank’s Values Partner and award-winning rapper, Sarkodie shared his life experiences and the values of perseverance, passion, and discipline during a special FirstBank Ghana staff engagement session that brought together staff from branches nationwide.
The session provided an intimate look into Sarkodie’s journey, from humble beginnings to becoming a music icon, and encouraged employees to apply the same dedication to excel in their roles and help the bank achieve its goals.
In a revealing interview, Sarkodie spoke candidly about how his passion for music, born out of a tough childhood, became his refuge. “Music was my getaway,” he explained. “It began with writing as a form of expression, a diary to document my daily struggles.
Rap became a passion after I first heard Obrafour, it was unlike anything I had heard before.” His love for the art led him to perform at local bars, walking long distances from Tema to Spintex to entertain patrons, often receiving nothing more than a bottle of Coke as a reward.
However, Sarkodie’s passion for music evolved when he realised the potential to make it a career. “I didn’t start music thinking about fame or money. It was always about the joy I saw on people’s faces when I rapped,” he said. Encouraged by his family and maintained by his growing popularity, he took his craft seriously. When asked about the moment he knew he had arrived, Sarkodie recounted hearing his song, ‘Baby,’ played on the radio while at a barbershop. “That was a turning point, I knew I could make this my profession.”
The conversation also touched on his enduring success in the competitive music industry, where he continues to break new ground while remaining true to his roots. Sarkodie stressed the importance of discipline and constant learning in maintaining a long-lasting career. “Staying on top requires way more effort than getting there,” he emphasized. “I’ve had to study the art of staying consistent, not just in music but in all facets of life. Whether you are a CEO, manager, or teller, there is an art to growing and staying at the top of your game.”
Sarkodie’s message resonated deeply with the staff, who drew inspiration from his emphasis on hard work, focus, and passion as key drivers for success. He also shared how his values of family and mental well-being keep him grounded amidst the pressures of fame and competition.
Victor Yaw Asante, MD/CEO of FirstBank Ghana, expressed his appreciation for Sarkodie’s powerful message, noting that the rapper’s journey mirrors the bank’s own aspirations of growth, consistency, and excellence. “Like Sarkodie, FirstBank is on a path of constant improvement, driven by passion and the commitment to deliver more for our customers every day. His story reminds us that success is not just about reaching the top but about staying there with dedication and integrity.”
Staff at the session were treated to lively performances by the Bank’s values partner, Sarkodie, which added to the celebratory atmosphere, and he left them with an uplifting thought, “Until you are dead, defeat is never real.”
FirstBank Ghana is part of the First Bank Group of Nigeria Limited, which is celebrating its 130th anniversary this year. The group operates across several countries, including the UK, DRC, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Gambia, and Senegal.
