Here to Stay
With her debut album After Midnight set for release on August 29th, Ghanaian Afro-fusion star Gyakie is poised to cement her place as one of Africa’s most captivating voices. Known affectionately as the “Songbird,” Gyakie’s rise has been nothing short of extraordinary, from her breakout hit Forever to gracing the cover of Forbes Africa and Rolling Stone Africa, she continues to redefine what it means to be a global African artist.
After Midnight is a 17-track exploration of love, legacy, and self-discovery, crafted in the stillness of the hours that follow midnight. Blending R&B, Afrobeats, Highlife, Amapiano, and Alternative influences, Gyakie weaves together soulful vocals, heartfelt vulnerability, and confident storytelling into a sonic journey that speaks across generations. The album includes the viral single Sankofa and the dance-driven anthem Unconditional, and launches with the highly anticipated focus track Damn U featuring 6LACK.
The project is also a full-circle moment for Gyakie. On Y2K Luv featuring Omar Sterling, she samples her father, the legendary Highlife icon Nana Acheampong, bridging her rich musical heritage with her forward-facing artistry. With additional collaborations from Kojey Radical, Headie One, Shatta Wale, and Young Jonn, the album is a bold statement of Gyakie’s versatility and vision.
Beyond the studio, Gyakie’s influence resonates on global stages, from Afro Nation to the Global Citizen Festival, while amassing over 7 million dedicated fans worldwide. Recognized for her unmatched ability to balance softness with strength, and vulnerability with confidence, Gyakie is not only carrying Ghana’s musical legacy forward but also shaping the sound of modern African music for the world.
After Midnight is more than an album, it is Gyakie’s declaration: Ghanaian music is here, and its songbird is ready to soar.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
RSA: Your new album is titled After Midnight. Why did you choose that title?
Gyakie: Most of the songs were created around dawn. That’s when the world feels quiet, no distractions, and I can really think and create. Growing up, my mom used to pray for us at midnight, so that time of day already carried meaning for me. And even as a performer, my life is most active at night. It only felt natural to frame the album around those hours.
RSA: Was there a track that was particularly challenging or emotional to record?
Gyakie: Yes, two stand out. 2K Love took us weeks to finish. But the most vulnerable was Is It Worth It. The day we recorded it, both my producer and I were processing grief and questions about life. The mood in the studio was heavy, and the song grew directly out of that conversation. It’s one of the rawest tracks I’ve ever made.
RSA: The album blends R&B, Afrobeats, Highlife, and even Amapiano. How do you balance so many genres while keeping your sound unique?
Gyakie: My dad was a Highlife legend, so I grew up with that influence. At home, my parents played old-school music, Nina Simone, Louis Armstrong, James Brown. Meanwhile, I was also listening to hip-hop, drill, R&B. I just love music in all its forms. That openness shapes my sound. I want my listeners to discover new genres through me, and that relationship keeps the music fresh.
RSA: You’ve collaborated with some incredible names. Which one surprised you most?
Gyakie: Definitely working with Omah Lay. He’s been one of my favorite artists for years, I’ve always admired his writing. To have him on this project felt like ticking something off my bucket list.
RSA: As the daughter of a music legend, how do you balance honoring your father’s legacy while creating your own identity?
Gyakie: His legacy is always in my mind when I make decisions. I never want to taint what he built. But I don’t see it as pressure, it’s motivation. His journey was his purpose, and I have mine. I use his legacy as fuel to push me forward, but I stay focused on carving out my own path.
RSA: Looking back, what’s been the biggest moment of growth in your career so far?
Gyakie: Recording my very first song. I skipped going straight home after class, even though I came from a strict household, and went to a friend’s hostel to record. That decision changed everything. It was the first step on the path that’s brought me here.
RSA: You’ve been featured on Forbes Africa and Rolling Stone covers. What do these platforms mean for African music?
Gyakie: They’re like amplifiers. It’s not just exposure, it’s validation. Features like these give artists their flowers, sometimes quietly, but in ways that make us smile at night and remind us our hard work is being seen. For African music, it means our voices are being carried even further.
RSA: You now have over 7 million fans. How do you stay grounded with that kind of attention?
Gyakie: I talk to myself in the mirror, a lot. It’s how I remind myself I’m human. In the spotlight, people expect perfection, and you risk losing touch with reality. I make sure to tell myself it’s okay to make mistakes and to live as a human being, not just an artist.
RSA: What do you hope listeners will take away from After Midnight?
Gyakie: I want them to feel something. The album covers love, confidence, faith, joy, and healing. So whether you leave feeling motivated, comforted, or ready to party, I hope at least one emotion stays with you.
RSA: If you could look five years into the future, where would you like your music to be?
Gyakie: I want my concerts to feel multigenerational, kids, teens, parents, and even grandparents all singing along. Sound-wise, I’d love to experiment with as many global genres as possible. I want to truly earn the title of a versatile artist.
INTERVIEW BY: CHIAMAKA OFFORJEBE / TEDDY MOUKOUMBI / LWANDLE DLAMINI
