High Court Awards GH₵50,000 in Black Sherif Management Dispute, Dismisses GH₵1.1 Million Claim

Ghana’s High Court has delivered a decisive ruling in the long-running legal dispute between Black Sherif and his former management, awarding just GH₵50,000 in what the court described as a “technical” breach of contract — a stark contrast to the GH₵1.1 million and lifetime earnings stake initially demanded.

In a detailed judgment delivered by Justice Afia Adu-Amankwa of the Commercial Division, the court rejected the bulk of claims filed by Shadrach Owusu Agyei, operating as Charvis Wayne’s Consult, citing a lack of credible evidence to support the extensive financial demands made against the award-winning artiste.

Agyei had sought an expansive settlement, including 20% of Black Sherif’s earnings in perpetuity, reimbursement of over GH₵1.1 million allegedly invested in the artist’s career, and an additional $24,000 for accommodation expenses. The court dismissed all these claims, finding no proof of unaccounted revenue, retained earnings, or demonstrable financial loss attributable to the artist.

In a further blow to the plaintiff, Justice Adu-Amankwa ordered Charvis Wayne’s Consult to pay GH₵15,000 in legal costs to Black Sherif, effectively leaving the former manager financially worse off following the litigation.

The only issue on which Mohammed Ismail Sherif, professionally known as Black Sherif, was found liable related to his engagement with a third party while his management contract was still active. However, the court was careful to limit the implications of this finding, ruling that the breach was technical in nature and did not result in substantial loss to the claimant.

The nominal damages of GH₵50,000 reflect this assessment — acknowledging a procedural breach without endorsing the severe financial harm alleged by the former manager.

Beyond the immediate parties, the ruling carries wider implications for Ghana’s rapidly expanding music industry. As artist-management disputes become more frequent amid rising commercial stakes, the judgment underscores the importance of proper documentation, transparent accounting, and clear proof of contractual performance when pursuing high-value claims.

For Black Sherif, whose global profile continues to rise through international collaborations and multi-million streaming figures, the decision removes a significant legal and financial burden. With the threat of surrendering a portion of his earnings or settling a seven-figure claim now lifted, the artist is free to focus fully on his career’s next chapter.