Gyakie is Jackline Acheampong, a Ghanaian Afro-fusion and R&B singer from Kumasi nicknamed the Song Bird. Her biggest chart topper, “Forever,” hit No. 3 on Billboard’s Top Triller Global chart and earned platinum certification in South Africa. She signed with RCA Records UK and Sony Music West Africa, released her debut full-length album “After Midnight” with 17 tracks, and features from 6LACK, Shatta Wale, and Headie One. Everything about Gyakie’s music, top songs, albums, and latest releases is here.
Who is Gyakie: The Song Bird from Ghana
Gyakie is a Ghanaian singer, songwriter, and Afro-fusion artist born Jackline Acheampong on 16 December 1999 in Kumasi, Ghana. She carries music in her DNA. Her father is Ernest Owoahene Nana Acheampong, a legendary Ghanaian highlife musician and one half of the famous Lumba Brothers band. Growing up in Kumasi during an era of soul music, she took inspiration from artists like Asa, Efya, Burna Boy, and Rihanna. At just eight years old, she stepped into a recording studio with her father and watched professional music come to life.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Jackline Acheampong |
| Stage Name | Gyakie |
| Nickname | Song Bird |
| Date of Birth | 16 December 1999 |
| Birthplace | Kumasi, Ghana |
| Father | Nana Acheampong (Lumba Brothers) |
| Genre | Afro-fusion, Highlife, Alternative R&B |
| Labels | Flip The Music, RCA Records UK, Sony Music |
| Education | International Business, KNUST Ghana |
| Career Start | 2019 |
How Gyakie Started Her Music Career
Gyakie launched her professional music career in early 2019 while studying International Business at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana. She released her debut single “Love Is Pretty” in February 2019 and followed it with “Never Like This.” Both songs gained traction on Ghanaian radio stations. She signed with Flip The Music Entertainment as her management company and record label home. After earning recognition with those early singles, she went on to build one of the most talked-about catalogues in modern Ghanaian music.
Read more about the best new African artists to watch and see how Gyakie fits the future of music on the continent.
Gyakie Top Songs of All Time
These are the songs that built Gyakie’s reputation as one of Ghana’s most beloved female voices. Each track shows a different side of her Afro-fusion and R&B artistry, from heartfelt love songs to high energy dance anthems.
1. Forever
“Forever” is Gyakie’s biggest and most celebrated song, topping charts in Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya. It reached No. 3 on Billboard’s Top Triller Global chart and appeared on Shazam’s Top 200. The song lives on the “Seed” EP and became a pan-African hit through its relatable lyrics about endless devotion. The Forever remix featuring Nigerian singer Omah Lay pushed the song even further globally, earning platinum certification in South Africa. “Forever” remains the defining chart topper of her career.
2. Love Is Pretty
“Love Is Pretty” is her debut single and the song that introduced Ghanaian music fans to the Song Bird’s voice. Built on infectious guitar riffs and sweet, sincere vocals, it became a staple on Ghanaian radio stations in her first year. The song showed her ability to craft feel good Afropop with genuine emotional warmth from day one.
3. Never Like This
“Never Like This” is a reggae-tinged single that confirmed Gyakie as a serious new voice in Ghanaian music after her debut. The track showcases her vocal range on a different sonic template, proving she can step outside Afropop and still deliver. It helped her win the Muse Africa Alternative Song of the Second Quarter award.
4. Something
“Something” is a mid-tempo Afropop single about seeking commitment in a casual relationship. Bouncy rhythms and smooth vocals carry the song as Gyakie asks her partner for more consistency and affection. The track gained strong African radio airplay as a standalone single before later joining her album catalogue.
5. Sor Mi Mu (feat. Bisa Kdei)
“Sor Mi Mu” featuring Ghanaian highlife legend Bisa Kdei blends traditional Ghanaian sounds with modern Afropop production. The collab brought two generational Ghanaian artists together for a song that celebrates cultural roots. It earned strong streaming numbers on Boomplay and Audiomack across West Africa.
6. Need Me
“Need Me” is the title track of her second EP and an anthem of self-reliance and female empowerment. Melodic hooks and confident vocal delivery define the track. Fans across Africa embraced it as a personal statement song about independence and inner strength.
7. Sankofa
“Sankofa” is a deeply personal pre-release single that paved the way for her debut album “After Midnight.” The song takes its name from the Ghanaian Adinkra symbol meaning “to go back and get it,” representing reflection and emotional truth. Co-written with producer Afrolektra, it stands as one of her most lyrically raw and honest recordings.
8. Unconditional
“Unconditional” is a soul stirring love song released ahead of the “After Midnight” album as a pre-release single. The track hints at the emotional depth that defines the album and gives fans a clear preview of where her artistry has grown since the “Seed” EP days.
9. Damn U (feat. 6LACK)
“Damn U” featuring American R&B singer 6LACK is one of the standout collab tracks on her debut album “After Midnight.” The introspective track pairs Gyakie’s soulful Ghanaian voice with 6LACK’s signature moody R&B tone. The result is one of the most globally competitive songs in her entire catalogue.
10. Harmattan (feat. Shatta Wale)
“Harmattan” featuring dancehall king Shatta Wale is the highest energy track on the “After Midnight” album. The song brings together two of Ghana’s biggest voices across completely different musical lanes. Fans of both artists received it as a major cultural moment in Ghanaian music.
11. Y2K Luv (feat. Omar Sterling)
“Y2K Luv” featuring Omar Sterling is a deeply meaningful track on “After Midnight” because it samples her father Nana Acheampong. That full circle moment makes the song one of the most emotionally powerful on the album. It pays homage to her Ghanaian highlife roots while delivering a modern Afro-fusion sound.
12. Nana Nyame
“Nana Nyame” is her first gospel-influenced song, incorporating Ghanaian cultural and spiritual identity into an Afropop framework. The track showed a deeper, more reflective side of Gyakie’s songwriting. It came from her “Need Me” EP and remains a fan favourite for its authentic cultural grounding.
13. Whine
“Whine” from the “Seed” EP is a playful, danceable Afropop track that shows the fun, lighter side of her personality. The song displays her vocal ease across an upbeat groove. It has kept strong replay value as a feel good party track since its release.
14. hallelujah
“hallelujah” from “After Midnight” is her second gospel-inspired song, designed to bring healing and motivation to listeners. She described it as what “a gospel record is supposed to do for your soul.” The song sits comfortably alongside her first gospel track “Nana Nyame” as proof that spirituality drives part of her artistry.
15. Party Galore (feat. Kojey Radical)
“Party Galore” featuring British-Ghanaian artist Kojey Radical is a high energy celebration track from her debut album. The collab connects two Ghanaian-rooted artists from different musical backgrounds for one of the most vibrant tracks on “After Midnight.” Fans who love her livelier side consistently praise this song.
Gyakie Chart Toppers by the Numbers
Rarely does a Ghanaian female artist rack up chart data on international platforms this fast. Gyakie’s chart topping ability is backed by real numbers across Billboard, Shazam, and streaming platforms globally.
| Song | Chart Achievement | Certification |
|---|---|---|
| Forever | No. 3 on Billboard Top Triller Global; Shazam Top 200; No. 1 in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya | Platinum in South Africa |
| Forever Remix (feat. Omah Lay) | Top charting pan-African crossover hit | Nigeria certified hit |
| Love Is Pretty | Ghanaian radio staple in debut year | Muse Africa award winner |
| Never Like This | National Ghanaian chart hit | Muse Africa Alternative Song winner |
| Something | Pan-African radio hit | Strong streaming across Africa |
| Damn U (feat. 6LACK) | International crossover track | Global Afro-R&B reach |
See how Ghanaian artists like Gyakie stack up against the top 10 most successful African female artists of the modern era.
Gyakie Latest Releases and Debut Album After Midnight
“After Midnight” is Gyakie’s debut full-length studio album, a 17-track project released under Sony Music Entertainment West Africa Limited and Flip The Music. Three years in the making, the album was recorded almost entirely in late-night studio sessions that began after midnight. She worked with producers P.Priime, SOSA, Nova, Afrolektra, and DeeYasso throughout the project. The album was directed by Alex Piper, who has also worked with Rema, Travis Scott, Wizkid, and Skepta.
The album blends Afrobeats, R&B, highlife, and alternative sounds into 42 minutes of music. Themes across the 17 tracks include vulnerability, healing, identity, self-love, heartbreak, celebration, and spirituality.
After Midnight Album Key Tracks
- Damn U (feat. 6LACK): Introspective R&B collaboration with the American singer, one of the album’s most globally competitive tracks.
- Harmattan (feat. Shatta Wale): High energy dancehall-driven anthem pairing two of Ghana’s biggest voices.
- Y2K Luv (feat. Omar Sterling): Features a sample of her father Nana Acheampong as a tribute to Ghanaian highlife legacy.
- I’m Not Taken (feat. Headie One): A confident and playful crossover track with English rapper Headie One.
- House Party (feat. Young Jonn): A feel good celebration anthem featuring award-winning Nigerian singer Young Jonn.
- Party Galore (feat. Kojey Radical): A vibrant collab with British-Ghanaian artist Kojey Radical that closes the album on a high.
- Sankofa: A reflective, soul stirring pre-release single about going back to find oneself again.
- hallelujah: Her second gospel-inspired song, focused on healing and inner motivation.
- fire on the mountain: A heartbreak song about doubts in love, written on a flight back to Ghana from the UK.
- Unconditional: An emotive love song that served as a pre-release preview of the album’s emotional core.
After Midnight Album Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Album Title | After Midnight |
| Total Tracks | 17 songs |
| Total Duration | 42 minutes |
| Label | Sony Music Entertainment West Africa Ltd / Flip The Music |
| Producers | P.Priime, SOSA, Nova, Afrolektra, DeeYasso |
| Featured Artists | 6LACK, Shatta Wale, Omar Sterling, Headie One, Young Jonn, Kojey Radical |
| Genre | Afrobeats, R&B, Highlife, Alternative |
Compare her debut album to other genre-defining African music projects by reading our guide on types of African music genres.
Gyakie Top Albums and EPs in Order
Frequently Ghanaian music fans search for Gyakie albums in chronological order. Here is her full discography from debut EP to debut album, with key highlights from each project.
Seed EP
The “Seed” EP is Gyakie’s debut project and the release that made her a pan-African name. The five-track EP introduced her to listeners in Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya. Its cover artwork shows a young Jackline wearing studio headphones beside her father in a recording booth, a visual statement of her musical lineage. “Forever” is the standout single and became her biggest chart topper. Other tracks include “Whine,” “Vacation,” and bookend pieces “Joy and Happiness” and “The Journey.”
Need Me EP
The “Need Me” EP is Gyakie’s sophomore project, showing her songwriting maturing into more nuanced territory. The title track serves as a self-empowerment anthem and earned strong reception across Africa for its melodic hook. “Nana Nyame” brings Ghanaian spiritual culture into the project. “Moments” and “Whine” add romantic and playful energy. The EP proved her debut was not a flash of luck but a sign of sustained artistry.
My Diary EP
“My Diary” is Gyakie’s third EP and her most collaborative project before her debut album. It features a collaboration with Davido, one of Nigeria’s biggest names, and shows her willingness to reach across the continent for creative partnerships. The EP revealed a maturing artist with a broadening sonic palette and a growing international audience.
After Midnight (Debut Album)
“After Midnight” is Gyakie’s debut full-length album and the most ambitious project of her career. Three years of late-night studio sessions produced 17 tracks of honest, genre-fluid music. The album features six major collaborations with artists from Ghana, Nigeria, the UK, and the USA. Billboard named her their African Rookie of the Month after the album’s release. The project earned her a spot on the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 list and the Spotify EQUAL Africa Ambassador title.
| Project | Type | Tracks | Key Song |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seed | EP | 5 | Forever |
| Need Me | EP | 5+ | Need Me, Nana Nyame |
| My Diary | EP | Multiple | Collab with Davido |
| After Midnight | Album | 17 | Damn U, Harmattan, Y2K Luv |
Read the full breakdown of Gyakie’s albums and vocal talent in our dedicated album guide. Also read our guide on Afrobeats versus Afrobeat to understand the genre landscape she operates in.
Gyakie Chart Toppers: Best Collaborations
Some of Gyakie’s most memorable chart moments came through well-chosen collaborations. Each featured artist adds a new dimension to her Afro-fusion sound while allowing her soulful voice to remain the anchor.
- Forever Remix (feat. Omah Lay): Her biggest collab ever. The remix turned a Ghanaian EP track into a continent-wide chart topper with platinum certification in South Africa.
- Damn U (feat. 6LACK): An Afro-R&B crossover pairing the Song Bird with one of America’s most respected R&B voices.
- Harmattan (feat. Shatta Wale): Two Ghanaian icons connecting across their different genres for one of the album’s most celebrated moments.
- Y2K Luv (feat. Omar Sterling): A song that samples her father and creates a powerful bridge between two generations of Ghanaian music.
- I’m Not Taken (feat. Headie One): A confident Afrobeats meets UK rap crossover with the English MC.
- House Party (feat. Young Jonn): A West Africa cross-border collaboration with Nigeria’s hit-making singer Young Jonn.
- Sor Mi Mu (feat. Bisa Kdei): A Ghanaian roots-driven collab connecting her sound to the highlife heritage of her father’s generation.
- My Diary EP collab with Davido: Her biggest Nigerian collab before the “After Midnight” era expanded her reach.
Compare Gyakie’s collaborative catalogue to other famous African music artists to see how her collab strategy stacks up. Also see how she ranks among rising African music stars right now.
Gyakie Awards and Recognition
Ghanaian music fans and international media have both recognised Gyakie’s rapid rise with formal awards and prestigious features. Her recognition list grows with each project.
- Muse Africa Alternative Song of the Second Quarter (2019): Her first industry recognition came in her debut year for “Never Like This.”
- VGMA Awards Unsung Artist Nominee: Her first major Ghanaian music award nomination placed her in the national spotlight.
- 3Music Awards Emerging Woman of the Year: She won this honour in recognition of her rapid fan growth and consistent music quality.
- 3Music Awards Woman of the Year: She followed up the Emerging Woman win with the full Woman of the Year award the following year.
- Forbes Africa 30 Under 30: A global recognition placing her among Africa’s most impactful young innovators.
- Spotify EQUAL Africa Ambassador: A platform-level recognition supporting gender equity in African music.
- Billboard African Rookie of the Month: Earned after the release of her debut album “After Midnight,” confirming her international media standing.
See how Ghanaian music has produced so many award-winning artists at the BET Awards nominees and winners from Africa guide. Read about other African music growth milestones in our African music growth facts report.
Why Gyakie Songs Connect So Deeply with African Fans
Multilingual and Multicultural Roots
Gyakie sings in English and Twi, blending Ghanaian cultural identity with internationally accessible pop production. Songs like “Nana Nyame” and “Y2K Luv” carry deep Ghanaian highlife DNA from her father Nana Acheampong’s musical legacy. This roots-to-modernity approach makes her music feel both familiar and fresh to fans across Africa.
Authentic Emotional Storytelling
Her lyrics draw directly from real emotions and lived experiences, which is why tracks like “Forever,” “Sankofa,” and “fire on the mountain” hit so personally. She has spoken openly about her creative process, saying most of her best songs came from vulnerable, late-night writing sessions. Fans connect with her music because it feels like honest conversation, not polished performance.
Sony Music and RCA Records Backing
Her deals with RCA Records UK and Sony Music Entertainment West Africa gave her international distribution and marketing power few African artists access early in their career. This backing allowed “After Midnight” to reach global streaming platforms with full promotional support. Her label relationships are a direct reason her music charts internationally.
Cross-Genre Musical Fluency
Gyakie moves between Afro-fusion, highlife, R&B, dancehall, and gospel without losing her distinct vocal identity. “Forever” is an Afropop love song. “hallelujah” is a gospel record. “Harmattan” is dancehall energy. “Damn U” is alternative R&B. This range keeps her relevant to fans with different tastes and makes her music appear on multiple genre playlists simultaneously.
To understand what powers Ghanaian music scenes alongside Afropop, also read our guide to Diamond Platnumz and East African music for a continent-wide comparison.
Where to Listen to Gyakie Songs
Fans can access Gyakie’s full discography including the “Seed” EP, “Need Me” EP, “My Diary” EP, and her debut album “After Midnight” across major African and global music platforms.
- Spotify: Full catalogue including all EPs and the 17-track “After Midnight” album.
- Apple Music: Studio projects, singles, and all featured tracks available for streaming.
- YouTube and Vevo: Official music videos including “Forever,” “Forever Remix” with Omah Lay, and recent album visuals.
- Boomplay: Strong presence with high stream counts across West Africa.
- Audiomack: Free access to her singles and EP catalogue.
- Tubidy Africa: Curated African music news, charts, and listening guides covering Ghanaian artists like Gyakie.
Stay updated on the latest in African music including Ghanaian stars at Tubidy Africa, your home for African music news and charts. Also read about Ghana’s African music growth story and how it powers artists like Gyakie to global stages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gyakie
Gyakie is Jackline Acheampong, a Ghanaian Afro-fusion and R&B singer born on 16 December 1999 in Kumasi, Ghana. She is the daughter of Ghanaian highlife legend Nana Acheampong of the Lumba Brothers. Known as the Song Bird, she signed with Flip The Music, RCA Records UK, and Sony Music West Africa. She started her professional music career in 2019 at KNUST while studying International Business.
“Forever” is Gyakie’s most popular song, reaching No. 3 on Billboard’s Top Triller Global chart and going platinum in South Africa. The track topped charts in Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya and earned a remix featuring Omah Lay that expanded her audience across the continent and into diaspora markets. It remains the definitive Gyakie chart topper.
Gyakie has three EPs and one full studio album. Her EPs are “Seed,” “Need Me,” and “My Diary.” Her debut studio album is “After Midnight,” a 17-track project featuring 6LACK, Shatta Wale, Headie One, Omar Sterling, Young Jonn, and Kojey Radical. “After Midnight” is her most ambitious and critically praised project to date.
Gyakie has won the 3Music Awards Emerging Woman of the Year and Woman of the Year, been featured on Forbes Africa 30 Under 30, and earned the Spotify EQUAL Africa Ambassador title. Billboard also named her their African Rookie of the Month following the release of “After Midnight.” She is also a Muse Africa award winner and former VGMA Awards nominee.
Gyakie’s latest full project is her debut album “After Midnight,” a 17-track exploration of vulnerability, identity, healing, and self-love. The album was released under Sony Music Entertainment West Africa Limited in partnership with Flip The Music.