Renowned Ghanaian rapper, Kwame Ametepee Tsikata popularly known as M.anifest has disclosed that his beef with fellow rapper, Sarkodie was not premeditated.
The M.anifest and Sarkodie beef started in 2012 with M.anifest’s “God MC,” which some saw as a diss track. However, it escalated in 2016 with Sarkodie’s “Bossy” and M.anifest’s response, “god MC 2.” Sarkodie fired back with “Kanta,” a diss track that sparked widespread debate.
Although the intensity has dissipated, the two remain respected figures in Ghanaian hip-hop.
In an interview on Starr Chat with Bola Ray,the award-winning rapper and songwriter M.anifest opened up about his past feud with rapper,Sarkodie.
He clarified that his feud with Sarkodie was purely driven by a competitive spirit, creativity and ideological differences,rather than a deliberate plan.
“It was not planned. I think I have said this to people several times and I think they disbelieve it, but both him and I will attest to the fact that it was not planned. I think it was in the spirit of competition in the sense that if he(Sarkodie) is on record saying certain things, being a competitive person, I mean, and being triggered by the mention of my name and the use of my slogan, I decided to say, well, you know, if you ‘dey me too I dey’,so why not?And we took it to that competitive realm.
It was nothing personal. He hadn’t stolen any money of mine. I hadn’t stolen any shoes of his, no clothing.It was purely creative and competitive.And to a certain extent, ideological differences, which is okay, because that’s what a lot of art is,”he asserted.
M.anifest further emphasized the benefits of competition in the music industry, noting that “both competitors benefit in the sense of the currency of people seeing you showcase your talent.”
M.anifest also stated that he and Sarkodie have maintained a cordial relationship over the years,and have moved past the feud.
The Ghanaian rapper also recalled some past collaborations he has done with Sarkodie after the ‘beef’,including a song they worked on together during the Covid-19.
