Sharifah Issaka, Creative Producer
Interview by Bridget Botchway
Photos by David Nana Opoku Ansah
If you became Beyonce's Ghana unit producer for "Black Is King," you might let it get to your head, but for producer and creative entrepreneur Sharifah Issaka, she is laser-focused, dedicated to the hustle and of course, doing it all with Ghana in her heart.
Did your family and upbringing provide support in your pursuit of film?
You know the thing about African parents wanting their children to become a doctor, lawyer, or engineer? That was definitely the case with my Mom, but my Dad (who actually is an engineer) was the one who was like, "Do whatever you wanna do, just do it well. Work hard. Try your best”. Whereas my mom, for the longest, was like, "Are you sure?" Because I've always been book smart. School was very easy for me. So she was like, "Oh but why didn't you go into medicine?" I think she wanted to know that I'd have a secure job (and make money), but I can also make money doing other things and I couldn't really see myself in a hospital every day. My Dad understood that, so he was like, "If you wanna do this thing, cool, go for it, but you have to do the work.”
What has been the overall impact on the creative scene in Ghana since Black Is King shot?
It's early days still, so I don't know how much of this will translate into real impact, but there's definitely been a lot of national pride, kudos, and congratulations from bodies that had previously been sleeping on the arts (in terms of recognizing our contribution to the country). So, I'm hoping that this actually leads to investment in the creative industry—from both the government and the private sector—and real opportunity and financial support. On the societal side, I think the biggest impact has been on the actual creatives who are living and working out here. This project has shown everyone what's possible. Like, 'If we can work with Beyoncé, what can't we do?'
What was the shooting schedule for Black Is King? How much preparation did you have?
For our contribution to the film? Three days. From the initial notice, to the day we started shooting we had three days for preparation. As far as the actual shoot days, we shot over the course of four days.
Oh wow, how did you produce so quickly?
Thankfully, I'm part of an amazing creative community here in Accra. I'm actually really glad you asked me this question because I love to gush about them. I'm really so thankful to know these people and have their support. I can pick up the phone, call a friend for help, and they will gladly do so (and I would do the same for them.) Some of the people I had helping me on this project didn't even know what they were helping me with. I have a friend who's a creative director (@mohammedblakk). He's always taking pictures in the coolest locations around Accra and when I asked him how he finds these places, he said he just likes walking a lot. So, I was like, "You and your feet need to come and help me, please abeg." He was an invaluable resource.
Because it was such short notice, there were a lot of organizational things that I had to do in advance (location scouting amongst other things). And then, of course, a lot of things I had to take care of once we started shooting. As a producer, you don't wrap for the day and go home and sleep like everybody else does because you have to prepare for the next day. So, I basically didn't sleep. I was averaging about three hours of sleep a day for those four days that we were shooting. I was a zombie by the last day but (instead of going straight home to my bed) I went to my friend, Ria Boss (@theriaboss), show. Listen to one song and you'll understand why I decided to forgo sleep.
How have your previous projects helped you prepare for this project? Did you feel any pressure or impostor syndrome?
I had worked on a short film for Apple the year before, with what was essentially the same team as this project, so I felt comfortable with everyone and confident in their abilities—having worked well with them previously. I actually felt more pressure on that Apple shoot as that was my first time as a 'producer producer' (my previous work in production had been as a production assistant). I'm a freelance producer and work on a case-by-case basis, primarily with international clients looking to shoot projects here in Ghana. I struggled with imposter syndrome at the beginning, but by the time I got the call about Beyoncé I was a lot more confident in my ability to do the work. Also I'd like to thank director, Joshua Kissi (@joshuakissi) for always believing in me and trusting me to do the work. Even when I doubted me, he never did.
Did you know how big this project was initially? How did it feel watching it?
At the time of shooting, we did not know that "Black Is King" was a thing. We knew we were working on the "Already" video, but we didn't know that it would be part of a larger project. They [Beyonce's team] kind of alluded to the fact that there might be some sort of a visual album, but we really had no idea how big it would be. When I saw the trailer, I was like... "What? I worked on that? This is amazing!" I felt super proud: one, of myself for having played a part in this and two, of Beyoncé for conceiving of and executing such a powerful project. She's so inspiring, honestly. Like I feel personally inspired to do more. This Beyoncé thing is definitely the coolest thing I've ever done, but I don't want it to be the coolest thing that I ever do.
What's your take on Hollywood and its relation to Africa?
Hollywood will never die, but I think people are beginning to see that there is content to be sourced (and money to be made) from outside of the U.S. And that's the real interest. So there's a new 'scramble for Africa' that's happening, but this time it's in the creative industries. And it's not just in film, but in music and in fashion as well. Everyone is looking at Africa and we as Africans need to make sure that we are being properly represented, that we are not being taken advantage of, that the deals made have our best interests at heart, and that we are getting the credit (and pay) we deserve for our work. Also I wanna add that not every opportunity is a good opportunity. It's important that we know our worth and say no to projects that don't align with our values.
Are there any filmmakers you are watching right now?
Obviously, Blitz Bazawule (@blitzambassador). Originally a rapper, his major directorial debut was the Burial of Kojo in 2018 and since then he’s gone on to co-direct Black Is King and will be directing The Color Purple.
Joshua Kissi (@joshuakissi) is a photographer, filmmaker, and creative director. I am endlessly inspired by the work that he does, not just because of its visual beauty, but because of its purpose, intention, and impact. Josh was also a director on "Black Is King" and has put out several powerful projects since.
Maame Adjei (@msadjei) is an actress (most known for the series An African City) but she’s directing her own film set in 1970s Ghana called Afternoon Jump. I’m really excited because I love history—particularly Ghanaian history. Maame also shares my passion for all things vintage so hers is a project I am really looking forward to.
Kuukua Eshun (@kuuksss) is a filmmaker, poet, writer, speaker, and founder (plus she has the coolest personal style). She does it all, works super hard, and is also very kind (and this is important to me). Oh and she's talented, obviously. She is definitely one to watch.
David Nana Opoku Ansah (@cozyshrt) He is a talented photographer, but he is also a filmmaker, DJ, and music producer as well. Like all the others on this list, he is from Ghana. He is also someone who does many things (and does them all flawlessly). I find people like that very inspiring as that is what I'd like to do.
Yes, I work in film, but I am also interested in design, journalism, tourism, and many other things. I never wanted to be limited by one occupation—and I don't plan to be.
Do you have an underlying motivation for all the projects and work you do?
Ghana. Always, always. Ghana is my motivation. It's my muse. It's everything. I was born here, but I didn't grow up here. However, both of my parents are Ghanaian (and very proud to be) so I always knew this was home. What I didn't know was how great Ghana was, not until about 10 years ago when I started coming here on my own and making friends outside my actual family.
That was the big thing for me. Meeting people my age who could show me their Ghana—the Ghana that I had never seen on previous visits with my family. If I hadn't made those friends I don't think I would be living in Ghana right now. So when I'm telling stories from and about Ghana (whether it's in a film by Beyoncé or just in my Instagram stories), I think I always have that motivation in mind: to share the Ghana that I know and love with others.