Although Ghanaian afro-fusion singer Gyakie grew up immersed in music, with a musician father – highlife legend Nana Acheampong – who often took her to the studio, pursuing a career in the arts never captivated her.
However, like any true calling, the desire to write music kept beckoning until she surrendered to it. Since then, Gyakie has become one of the most sought-after musicians of our time, not only releasing impactful music but also starting movements like her one-woman show, Live Experience with Gyakie, which she says undeniably marked her belonging. Her career has afforded her opportunities to travel, learn from others, explore new waters, and find her authentic sound.
And with numerous releases and two EPs, the star is gearing up for her debut album, which she says will present a more mature side to her.
“The album feels like a mother about to give birth, which makes me understand how much mothers cherish their children. It feels like I am about to bring forth another version of myself, but in audio form,” said Gyakie, real name Jackline Acheampong.
“This album is full of emotions because it speaks more to the soul, with many songs meant to touch the heart. There are also songs that will get you moving and shaking your head. This album is a proper introduction to who I am and what my music is.”
Music found Gyakie at a very tender age, although she didn’t initially regard it as a career to pursue.
“I wrote my first song during one of those random studio visits with my dad, but I didn’t pay much attention to that moment. It was just for fun, right? It was only in university that I recorded and released a song that I felt strongly about. The success of my debut single validated that not-so-serious moment because of how well it was received,” she said.
It was in that 2019 that her life changed forever, and since then, five years of making music has proven her place in the industry. Music subsequently became her daily bread. Literally.
“It (music) has become a part of me, like it has been injected into my DNA because I sleep and wake up to music. My name has become synonymous with it, and even if I were to hang up my microphone tomorrow, I’m pretty sure I’d still find ways to still be involved in it somehow,” she shared.
Before reaching this point of contentment, Gyakie had hit a rough patch where she questioned herself as an artist.
“That happened after the release of my hit song ‘Forever,’ which took off big time and I think became one of my biggest songs ever. But the expectations that followed made me judge my own capabilities, so much so that I ended up not liking the music that I was making because I felt it wasn’t good enough. Even though it was.”
“But I had to quickly snap out of those thoughts because I felt as though I was betraying my passion. During that dark time, I even changed how I wrote, but I wasn’t happy or authentic. I’m glad I went through that because it reaffirmed my dedication to music.
“I speak my lyrics how I want them to come across because I feel like, before, I used to cover up a lot. I wasn’t expressing myself fully. I’ve promised myself to never lose myself again, to be original and real with myself, and not follow trends,” she said.
With every passing year, Gyakie feels something elevates with her brand and her music. And to be a global star is her mission.
“What my dad achieved motivates me to do more. I am inspired to leave a legacy as he did. With so many musicians in the family, it was bound to happen that I would be an artist, but family alone isn’t enough to make one successful.
“There is a lot of hard work involved. That door was opened, yes, but as Gyakie, I know I have to put in the work. At the beginning of my career, many people didn’t even know that Nana Acheampong was my dad, only those I went to school with.
“My first EP featured my dad and me in the studio, and that’s when it really came out. I was already in the industry, which proved my own talents beyond the name. I will always look up to my dad and admire what he has achieved, but making a name for myself has always been important.”
The 25-year-old is shooting straight to stardom one lyric at a time.
