GH₵1.1m Cut to GH₵50k in Black Sherif vs Ex-Manager Court Ruling

The Ghanaian High Court has delivered a major judgment in the long-running legal dispute between Black Sherif and his former management, dramatically reducing a GH₵1.1 million claim to just GH₵50,000 in damages.

In a detailed ruling from the Commercial Division, Justice Afia Adu-Amankwa dismissed most of the financial demands made by Shadrach Owusu Agyei, trading as Charvis Wayne’s Consult. The court found that the ex-manager failed to provide sufficient evidence to support claims of unpaid earnings, retained revenue, or losses allegedly suffered while managing the “Kwaku the Traveller” hitmaker.

What the Ex-Manager Demanded

Agyei had asked the court for:

• 20% of Black Sherif’s earnings in perpetuity

• Reimbursement of GH₵1.1 million he claimed to have invested in the artist’s career

• An additional $24,000 for accommodation expenses

The High Court rejected all these claims, ruling that they were not supported by credible financial records or proof of contractual performance.

Why the Court Awarded Only GH₵50,000

The only issue where Black Sherif (born Mohammed Ismail Sherif) was found in breach was his engagement with a third party while the management agreement was still active. However, the judge described this as a “technical breach” with no substantial financial loss to the former manager.

As a result, the court awarded nominal damages of GH₵50,000, acknowledging a breach without validating the massive losses the plaintiff claimed.

Legal Costs and Industry Impact

In a further blow to the ex-manager, the court ordered Charvis Wayne’s Consult to pay GH₵15,000 in legal costs to Black Sherif. This means the former manager leaves the case significantly out of pocket.

The ruling sends a strong message to Ghana’s growing music industry: managers who seek large payouts must provide detailed records, transparent accounts, and clear proof of contractual performance.

For Black Sherif, whose global profile continues to rise through international collaborations and millions of streams, the judgment removes a major legal cloud. The artist can now move forward without the threat of losing 20% of his earnings or paying a seven-figure settlement to former management.