Interview: @sarkodie On Reworking Bob Marley’s Classic ‘Stir It Up’

Two weeks ago, an official remake of Bob Marley’s classic ‘Stir It Up’ featuring Sarkodie hit streaming platforms, followed by visuals on YouTube. The song is said to be part of an upcoming project which will see some of Africa’s biggest stars reimagine Bob Marley & The Wailers classics. In the interview below, Sarkodie breaks down the process of making the song, filming the video and shares his thoughts around what doors the song will open for African artists and Africans in general.

Note: This interview has been edited for clarity and length. 

How was the process of working on a Bob Marley song?

They gave us options. I definitely chose ‘Stir It Up’. I knew that I could do that comfortably. First and foremost, the rhythm, the melody, the message spoke to me and I just knew that it would be good for me. I heard the story behind ‘Stir It Up’ that he actually played it for, if I'm correct, his sweetheart. Everybody has a story of which we can all relate to. Even with that, I still had to be cautious of what I wanted to say. It's a few bars, but then I have to do a lot of thinking and know that this is somebody who is timeless. So, I make sure that whatever I say can also stand the test of time as well. So, yes, it was scary as it took me to school for a second.

What message were you trying to convey through the visuals?

I made sure that we represented Ghana. So, we shot the video out here in Ghana. I was just thinking about beautiful scenery that if Bob Marley was here shooting the video, that is what I would imagine that the legend would do. So, beautiful scenery. It actually feels like the same as Jamaica. I think when you see Ghana and Jamaica, we don't really have that much differences. So you could get away with saying you shot it in Jamaica or Ghana. So, basically, just beautiful shots. The only difference is probably the touch on the beats and then the lyrics,  the rap verse on it. But if you watch the video, it makes you understand the emotions and the depth of the record. So yes, we just made sure that we showcase our country and tried to be in his shoes; if he would've shot a video in Ghana, what would he would like to show?

How did you guys film the music video without people knowing and possibly leaking the news about you working on a Bob Marley song?

I'm very big on how you present your work. If even not just the Bob Marley record, my own project, my singles, my album, I make sure that I present it well. Sometimes, I'm so discreet that my team doesn't even get to hear the music. It's very spiritual for me. So, we were on sets and the places that we could control, of course we had to seize phones. And, actually the way we were shooting it, people didn't really understand it cause you will not think it's a song between me and Bob Marley. We were playing other Bob Marley records. We even recorded with 'One Love' and ‘Jamming', you know, his classics. So, the people on set did not know what was happening. They thought we were having a Rasta party or something. 

Places where I needed to rap, we found a place where nobody's listening and I can slide that in or sometimes I say on my lips, but then the directors know that that's what we're doing. So big shout to the team that we're able to control people having access to know exactly what was happening. Cause we would've ruined the whole surprise element of it. So a lot of measures was taken.

What doors do you feel this specific collaboration will open for other African artists?

Like whatever milestone in Afrobeats or African music gives back to Africans… I wouldn't even say just artists, it’s just us as Africans, cause everything that happens — from football, entertainment, anything — you know, it affects the people. So, I know that there will be more opportunities. People wanting to work with us like the same way some of my brothers have done. And then people are interested in Afrobeats shoutout to, you know, Stonebwoy working really hard out there. You have, Shatta Wale, you have Davido, you have Burna Boy. These guys are doing incredibly well and every milestone adds on to our impact on the world. And then the world will have to pay us back by paying attention. 

Stream the ‘Stir It Up’ remake by Bob Marley & The Wailers and Sarkodie below: