Music
Ghana’s Gyakie is all about giving her roots a voice
Heartbreak never sounded like this
It doesn’t get better than going viral with your second official single and for Ghanaian songstress Gyakie that’s exactly what’s happened. It’s not a bad start to a career she had to be cajoled into pursuing. “Singing was where my talent was,” the artist born Jacqueline Acheampong shares. ‘I kept getting random messages and complaints from friends and family about not doing something big with my voice.”
I believe your roots should also have a voice
The Sosa-produced "Never Like This", which plays like percussive R&B, incorporates rhythmic syncopation and bluesy lamentations in a blend of the Twi dialect and English. “I believe your roots should also have a voice and that's why I make sure there's a touch of Twi in any song I record,” Gyakie says. Where our grasp of her language may falter - the song’s wrought emotions are palpable, smoothed over only by Gyakie’s honey-dipped vocals.
Gyakie
© Supplied
“'Never Like This' is a heartbreak song” Gyakie explains. “It’s a girl pouring her pain out to the boy who broke her apart”. The accompanying Psyrus Kobe-directed video balances the singer’s unsettled state with the calmness of nature - and much like the visuals, there’s a clarity to Gyakie that’s as endearing as her voice. “We didn't do much in the video. We simply wanted to tell the whole story in an artistic way with beautiful scenery”.
The no-frills video and airy instrumentation leave room for Gyakie’s aura to shine through in a way reminiscent of Aṣa, her idol. It’s a soulfulness, attached to a keen sense of curiosity that makes for a nourishing listen.“I'd describe my sound as versatile ‘cause I can jump on any sound and make it my own. I would pick out Reggae and Soul as the genres I draw from though”.
With a wholesome sound and inviting personality, Gyakie is set for much more than virality. The attention garnered by Never Like This has led to both a spotlight and a reminder to do something with her voice. “It’s my biggest song so far and through it, I've had the opportunity to capture so many ears. I'm ready to keep them glued so I'd say you should expect lots of music”. With more music ahead we’re sure to witness Gyakie’s star quality - something she possesses effortlessly and seems destined to share.
Catch the rise and rise of Gyakie on SoundCloud, Twitter and Instagram.