Our NEXT UP series is a music discovery initiative which showcases the next big things in Afro-influenced music from across Africa and beyond! In this edition, we speak to burgeoning Ghanaian songstress Gyakie.

Gyakie is an afro-soul/afro-fusion singer from Ghana. Just a year into her professional career as a recording artist, the 20-year-old has already made quite an impact in the Ghanaian music space. The third-year student of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology debuted with sentimental bop “Love Is Pretty” in February 2019, quickly backing that up with sophomore release “Never Like This” – her most successful outing till date. Having already worked with big names in Ghana such as E.L, Bisa Kdei, and Kuvie; Gyakie is definitely one to watch!

How did you get started in music and what gave you the motivation to stay with it?

Music for me started off unplanned, I met the producer of my first song in school, and we just hit the studios and created magic! My management, family, and fans give me the motivation to stay with it.

Walk us through your creative process. How are you inspired? How do you compose most of your music?

When it comes to composing, it transpires naturally. Most of the time, listening to the beat makes it easier for me to write. The environment I find myself in also counts.

Which musical genre is your stronghold and if you could dabble in another genre of music, what would it be?

Soul music is my stronghold but on the commercial front, Afro-fusion and if I could dabble in another genre, it would be Reggae.

What is the most difficult thing you have had to endure in your music career?

One thing I’ve had to endure in my music career as it stands now is juggling it with school.

Is the global coronavirus pandemic having any effect on your music/career? How exactly?

Yes, the global pandemic has affected the work. I mean, it has detained a lot of plans such as studio sessions, shows, just to mention a few. We can only hope and pray for a miracle!

Which artists do you consider your biggest musical inspirations?

The artists I consider my biggest musical inspirations are Asa and Omar Sterling.

If you can have your fans remember one thing about you, what would it be?

If I could have my fans remember one thing about me it would be “the uniqueness of my sound”

What would make you want to collaborate with another artist?

Talent, a good brand, and vision play a key role in choosing who to collaborate with. It must all align in the end.

What are your dream collaborations?

I would love to collaborate with Stonebwoy, Asa, Omar Sterling, Adekunle Gold, Sarkodie.

What is the unique element about yourself as an artist and/or your work that sets you apart from other artists?

My voice and my way of writing makes me unique and sets me apart from other artistes

What new age “Afro” artists are you currently listening to?

That has to be King Promise.

Tell us about some of the new material you are currently working on.

I don’t have any project out yet. I have quite a number of singles out and I am currently working on my debut project. All I can say is, it’s going to be food for every soul.