There’s something magnetic about Gyakie’s story. Aside from being the daughter of a legendary musician, or the crooner of the “Forever” hit which became an anthem that travelled far beyond Ghana’s borders, she carries her journey with a quiet conviction. For Gyakie, music is far beyond a convenient path shaped by her lineage, it is the thread that ties together her past, her present, and the future she’s intensively building. Gyakie speaks of music as though it’s both an anchor and a compass, guiding her through change while reminding her of why she began in the first place.
When “Forever” launched her into global recognition, it would have been easy to rest on that moment. But Gyakie sees each milestone less as a destination and more as an invitation to grow, to refine, and to keep her audience engaged in a deeper dialogue. Her artistry succeeds through patience, intention, and the courage to create on her own terms.
Now, with her debut album ‘After Midnight’, she stands at a defining chapter, to honour her roots and also carve out her own legacy that inspires a new generation of voices to rise.
TTC: Everyone says music is their calling, but what is music to you personally?
GYAKIE: Honestly, I could say the same for myself. I believe music is what I was brought here to do and when I look back at every single situation that I’ve encountered in my past, it makes me realise how it was all geared towards this musical journey I was meant to embark on. Music changes my life; music is very dear to me.
TTC: Coming from a strong musical lineage, do you feel the weight of expectations, or have you found a way to embody and redefine them for yourself?
GYAKIE: I think I have found a way to embody and redefine them myself in a way that I view these expectations as some of the things that give me the drive to keep doing better and getting better.
TTC: After “Forever” took off, it was a huge kickoff for your career. How did that make you feel and how did you challenge yourself to offer an even better version of yourself?
GYAKIE: After “Forever” took off, it felt like a dream come true and I had to start learning so much on the job. A lot of things changed and I had to always remind myself to keep getting better as that’s one of the key ways to keep your audience alive.
TTC: You’ve released a couple of singles this year and there’s been buzz on your new album, ‘After Midnight’. Is there any particular song(s) you’d like to recommend to a first-time listener and why?
GYAKIE: I would recommend “damn u” which features 6lack. It’s a beautiful song that questions love and I believe there are quite a number of people who can relate so well to the lyrics of this song.
TTC: You’ve already given us ‘Seed’, and ‘Diary’. Would you say the lessons from making those EPs shaped how you approached this debut album, ‘After Midnight’?
GYAKIE: Absolutely!! I have learnt so much and it’s all reflecting on this album beautifully.
TTC: Beyond what music means to you, what is your typical creative process?
GYAKIE: I always like to create in the dark and I prefer a sentence with a quiet environment or studio. I take time to create music and that always helps.
TTC: You’ve collaborated with Nigerian artistes as well. How did that crossover happen and what did it take to make that bold step?
GYAKIE: My hit song “Forever” opened a lot of doors for me, including collaborations as such. I have been able to work with so many amazing artistes.
TTC: Your feature on “No Bad Vibes” was indeed the perfect fit. How did that collaboration come together and what made it click?
GYAKIE: I love that record so much, from the production to the lyrics. Jazzy’s team reached out for the collaboration and at the time I was in Ghana, so I recorded my verse and sent it over, then went to the United Kingdom to shoot visuals for it. She has such an amazing energy and personality, so it made our connection click easily.
TTC: You’ve spoken about inspiring young female creatives. What moves are you currently making toward building that legacy and creating space for others?
GYAKIE: I have been speaking in schools recently, and I’ve been using my platforms as a means to educate and inspire. I am also making sure that my artistry will keep getting better and bigger which could also serve as an inspiration for them to tap in, too.
TTC: Outside of music, what other passions or interests fuel you?
GYAKIE: I love reading and I love going to the beach. I also love travelling to explore and learn about new cultures and new people.
TTC: Finally, what’s next for Gyakie in music and beyond?
GYAKIE: Big big things, I’m planning my tour, more visuals are coming through, and more music as well.