Born Jacqueline Acheampong, daughter of Ghanaian legendary and iconic highlife superstar Nana Acheampong, Gyakie has proven in the past few years that she is truly a force to reckon with. The Ghanaian songstress has through her melodious and unique sound proven her artistic and creative worth and prowess and it is evident in her home country and globally.
Gyakie addresses herself as a ‘Songbird’ and has ever since appearing on the music scene conquered the music world. She has used and utilized her own talent and creativity to sail through, inspiring and motivating upcoming artistes, females specifically.
Since coming into the industry 5 years ago, Gyakie is yet to get entangled with negative news and trends – She has stayed relevant all these years with her classic sound, influencing and impacting the industry hugely. In 2019, she released her first single, followed by ‘Never Like This ‘ which gave her huge attention. Her ‘Sor Mi Mu’ to wit, ‘hold me’ with highlife sensation Bisa Kdei also projected and elevated her fame and recognition.
In August 2020, the ‘Songbird’ released her major and global hit song ‘Forever’ off her ‘Seed’ studio EP. The song trended on social media for weeks, peaked at number 1 in Ghana, number 1 on the Billboard Top Triller Global Chart and debuted in 20 countries. The song after amassing huge streams got its remix featuring Nigerian singer Omah Lay, who did justice to the remix.
“I always say you can classify me as a versatile artist, I do Afro-fusion. I don’t want to place myself into one corner, I like to explore. So you could hear me on reggae, hip-hop, R&B and any other genre you can think of, as long as I like the beat and can write on it. Moving forward I want to explore a lot of sounds. I’d love to write about other topics, not only love”
Gyakie
“If we’re being honest, a lot of the big artists right now are men and the women are quite few. I feel what I’m doing right now is meant to motivate any young girl out there and the major challenge is being one of a few women in the industry. Because you’re part of the few, everyone expects you to keep getting to the top. You can’t ever slack!
Gyakie on the challenges she faces in a male- dominated industry
On her path to takeover the world, Gyakie has collaborated with international stars including Davido, ASA etc- She has performed at global and international festivals and events- In September 2022, she joined American singer Usher, SZA, British rapper Stormzy, Sarkodie etc to perform at the Global Citizen in Accra.
At the 2022 Headies, Gyakie won Best West African act – According to her , one of her aims is to teach young girls to know how powerful they are!
Getting huge streams with ‘Forever’, winning an ultimate award like Headies, performing alongside with Usher, SZA, Stormzy, Sarkodie etc at the Global Citizen barely five years in the industry despite combining studies with recording, Gyakie’s influences in the industry are unprecedented and undeniable.
written by Ibrahim Farouk
