Separated into a family of musicians, Ghanaian singer Gyakie follows a legacy of bold African music. She is the daughter of Ernest ‘Owoahene’ Nana Acheampong, but has made a name for herself as a singer and songwriter, releasing her debut EP Seeds in August last year.
While making music, the 20-year-old is also studying for her degree in International Business at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi where she was raised. But like other rising stars, like Megan Thee Stallion, her educational pursuits have not stopped her from making an impact on the music industry.
She released her first single; “Love Is Pretty” in February 2019, followed by “Never Like This.” “To be released Seeds, Gyakie released the single and video for “Forever,” which was recorded – not only in Ghana – but in Nigeria and Kenya. The single also made Billboard’s Global Top Triller and topped Shazam’s Top 200 chart.
Gyakie continues to create music with her art inspiration from real moments of real emotion and the experiences of people around her. Ghanaian artists like Gyakie are using the power of social media to reach new audiences across the globe, especially at a time when human travel and connection is severely limited due to the novel coronavirus.
And with the recent launch of Spotify in 85 new markets, including Ghana, there is an opportunity for more musicians to reach a new audience across the globe. Deuga Vogue caught by Gyakie talking about her music and what now.
Teen Vogue: Where did your love for music start?
Gyakie: Growing up with my father, the legendary Nana Acheampong, who influenced high-end music in Ghana, I was surrounded by great music all around me. I first went into the studio with my dad when I was just eight years old. I knew I could sing but I continued it as a very reverie career. Seeing and hearing everything he put into his music was all part of the reason I fell in love with music.
TV: Which artists, other than your father, influence your sound?
Gyakie: I draw from Asa and Omar Sterling. They both have something I fell in love with, which is the loneliness in their sound and lyrical content. Growing up I watched their stage performances, read through the lyrics of their songs, even to the point of following any interviews they received, their speech. Omar Sterling inspired two songs on my EP.
TV: Let’s talk about “Forever,” how did you get that sound?
Gyakie: “Forever” is such a special song for me. At first, [it was] taken out by Kros who made the blow off the shore and even without a network he still got sent to me. “Forever” was written at the corner of my dark bedroom during a lockout in Ghana. I threw my thoughts ahead of my future love life. I talked about what I see and what I want to experience and there seem to be a lot of people involved in my normal life!
TV: How it felt when you found out you were a part of it Billboard’s Global Top Triller, and ranking on the Shazam’s 200 best chart?
Gyakie: “Surprise! Blessed and honored. And this is because, when I look at the hard work and commitment that my management and I have put in to get us there, it leaves me in tears. Hard work has gone into it, and I mean hard work.