In Ghana and worldwide, music has a significant place in the arts. Despite this, women are underrepresented and sidelined in the music industry. Ghana has been seeing an influx of female artists in the music industry over the past decade, changing the narrative that females are only backup singers.
Female Ghanaian artists haven’t received the attention and value for their works for years. Stagecraft has been an object of criticism for some and continues to be an issue for others. Female artists in Ghana are overly sexualized by the media, preventing them from openly expressing themselves.
While stereotypes continue to take hold in the Ghanaian music industry, female artists like Efya, Becca, and Mzbel have owned their craft and made names for themselves. We showcase 7 Ghanaian female artists who continue to give us the best in music and performances, every year contributing to the music scene in Ghana.
7 Asi
Singer, songwriter, and performer Asi Renie, born Renie Asi Bampoe Abu, has risen rapidly in Ghana. Over the years, she has been well-known for her powerful vocals which are evident in her project “Chapter V“.
The Ghanaian artist has recently released ‘Sekbi Legacy,’ a collaboration with lifestyle and fashion brand Sekbi Bogolan. A new African narrative, one that seeks to blend heritage and modernity, while celebrating diversity, is at the foundation of all the songs on Sekbi Bogolan.
6. Sister Deborah
Born Deborah Vanessa Owusu-Bonsu, “Sister Derby” is a well-known personality in Ghana with a long history in the music industry. Aside from her music career, Sister Derby is one of the few Ghana musicians alongside her brother Wanlov concerned about the environment and our beaches. They both joined together to create a song that encourages recycling in Ghana. Take a look at RefuseReuseRecycle.
5. Y’akoto
Singer-songwriter Jennifer Yaa Akoto Kieck, also known as Y’akoto, was born in Atlanta, Georgia. This daughter of a Ghanaian Highlife musician and a German political scientist chose a path that wasn’t straightforward and straightforward.
Y’akoto’s debut album, “Baby Blues,” and the song “Tamba” were both hailed by critics and fans alike as wonderful debuts. She never shied away from politically charged issues or themes. Her sophomore album “Moody Blues” expanded her repertoire in 2014. “Best National Rock / Pop Female Artist” at the ECHO awards, “a class of her own” (Süddeutsche Zeitung) and supported Erykah Badu, Nneka, Asa, Kwabs, and Joy Denalane in several gigs.
The third album by Y’akoto, “Mermaid Blues“, was released in 2017.
4. Wendy Shay
Afropop and Afrobeats singer Wendy Asiamah Addo, known as Wendy Shay, is from Ghana. Bullet introduced her to the music world and in January 2018, after Ebony Reigns’ untimely passing, she signed with Rufftown Records.
The first single by Wendy Shay, titled “Uber Driver”, which was produced by MOG Beatz, was released on 1 June 2018. A day later, the official video and song were released. Queen Ewurabena Ofosuhemaa Shay 1 is the stool name that Wendy Shay has been enstooled as the Ahenemba Hemaa of Gomoa Afransi in the Central Region (Ghana).
The singer-songwriter has been nominated for 6 awards, both in Ghana and abroad.
Check out her Youtube Page.
3. Gyakie
She is also the adopted daughter of the legendary highlife singer Ernest Nana Acheampong, who formed the famous Lumba Brothers with half of his sister. Gyakie has been topping charts around the world since she broke the Ghanaian music industry with her “Seed” EP.
In just 5 months, Gyakie’s Seed Ep was listened to over 11 million times on all platforms, and her hit single “Forever” became the only Ghanaian artiste to top the Triller Chart Nigeria without a Nigerian feature.
Check out her EP, you would love it.
2. Efya
Initially known by the stage name Efya, Jane Awindor from Kumasi, Ghana plays the role of singer, songwriter, and actress. As a child, she watched her mother, Nana Adwoa Awindor, host Greetings From Abroad, before her mother passed away.
A talent show called Stars of the Future gave Efya her first exposure to fame. In November 2013, she released her debut mixtape TINT. This collection of songs includes releases from 2011 through 2013. Epya is one of the most talented performers in the Ghanaian entertainment industry.
Her stagecraft and voice make her performances dynamic and captivating.
1. Amaarae
The Ghanaian-American singer, songwriter, producer, and engineer, known professionally as Amaarae, has massive potential. She is known for her work around representation and gender in music. Her debut EP, Passionfruit Summers, includes six tracks and features collaborations with artists such as AYL*, Kay-Ara, and Yaw P.
In addition to the standout song, “Fluid,” the album includes a music video featuring Ghanaian men who have been dressed in drag. Amaarae has since added Stonebwoy, Kojey Radical, M3NSA, Santi, Odunsi, B4bonah, and Wande Coal.
The Angel You Don’t Know, is Amaarae’s debut studio album, released on November 12, 2020.
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