This is Gyakie’s world, and we’re just living in it. With a soulful blend of Afro-R&B, highlife, and alternative influences, her unmistakable voice and lyrical storytelling, the Ghanaian star ushers her listeners into a new era defined by vulnerability, depth, and cultural identity.
We sat down with the incredible artist to talk about her new era, her debut single “Sankofa,” and her album, “After Midnight.” She shared how this new sound is different from her past work, describing it as a more mature and evolved version of her art.
“What makes this era of my music different from the last would definitely be the maturity in the sound, the composition, and the writing,” she said.
You just dropped “Sankofa”—what inspired the song, and what does it mean to you?
Sankofa is my debut single of 2025 off my album After Midnight. This song is very special to me because it’s an opening for the project, and it’s my first single of the year. The inspiration really is how I was feeling at the time in the studio. I was on the positive side of life and the production as well, and assisted in the writing of the music.
The video for “Sankofa” is really beautiful. What story were you trying to tell with it?
For Sankofa, we really wanted to highlight on the intimate side of love and how sensual the song could also be, and I believe that we were able to achieve that. Big shoutout to Andy Madjitey.
You worked with Eyram Gbewonyo again on this song. What was it like working together this time?
Working with Eyram, also known as Afro Lecturer, has always been amazing. We’ve dropped a couple of bangers, and I feel like he understands my work and the way I always like to go about it. So big shouts to him as well.
What makes this era of your music different from the last?
What makes this era of my music different from the last would definitely be the maturity in the sound, the composition, and the writing. Everything has just grown to a much more better version as compared to the songs I’ve dropped before.
Congrats on making Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30! How did it feel when you found out?
When I found out, I made the list for the Forbes 30 under 30 for this year, and I was so elated. I have always wanted to be a part of it. I just knew it was going to happen at the right time, and this is the right time. So yeah, I was very elated. I’m still very proud, and I’m happy that the people around me would always be proud of things like this.
Is there a dream collaboration—no matter how big—that still feels personal to you?
A dream collaboration for me is definitely going to be Asa from Nigeria. She’s one person that I’ve always listened to growing up, and I’m looking forward to working with her. I know that in the future, very soon, it is going to happen.
What do you think the world needs to know about the Ghanaian music scene right now?
What I think the world needs to know about the Ghanaian music scene right now is Ghana music is taking over. Ghana music is what is the it right now, and I’m happy that our people are expanding and exploring the sound, and it’s only going to get bigger and better.
What’s next for Gyakie?
After midnight, my debut album, which is coming really, really soon. I’m so excited, and I know everybody that enjoys Gyakie’s Music is going to love it as well.
