In an exclusive interview with CNN’s Larry Madowo, VGMA Artiste of the Year Black Sherif explained why he chose to feature just Burna Boy on his debut album, “The Villain I Never Was.”

The record, which debuted at number 12 on the Billboard World Albums Chart, has created ripples not only for its chart success but also for the 21-year-old’s innovative artistic choices.

According to the “Kweku Frimpong” singer, who is noted for his expressive narrative and introspective songwriting, he had originally planned to collaborate with a number of singers on his debut album.

However, in order to completely express his distinct viewpoint, he ultimately opted against it.

“I believe it happened during the album-making process.” It was quite intense for me because I was in my head at the moment. The studio was directly in front of my bed. So that’s my studio when I wake up,” Black Sherif explained further during the conversation. “I made so many songs at the time, and I felt like the story I was going to tell, I could tell it alone,” she says. “I had plans of getting features in the album, but making the album and getting to like 70% of the album, I felt I could do it solo, because I had so much to say.”

The album features a remarkable duet with Nigerian Afrofusion artist Burna Boy.

Black Sherif noted that his friendship with Burna Boy was about more than just music; it was about mutual admiration and shared creation.

“It doesn’t feel real at all.” It wasn’t about the music when he first met him. It was his compliment on my sound, and it was the thing I did without a filter. “It changed my perspective on what I do,” he added.

Speaking about the influence of his music, the “Oil In My Head” singer, who grew up in rural Konongo Zong, revealed that he is still astounded by the global reach of his songs.

“It’s shocking because even in my Konongo Zongo neighbourhood, only people in my home knew I could sing and make music,” he continued.