Think you know who’s behind your favorite global hits? From Afrobeat anthems to viral TikTok tracks, these chart-toppers were crafted by Ghanaian talents.
Ghana’s music scene has long been a hub of creativity, shaping genres like highlife, hiplife, Afrobeats, and gospel. While many Ghanaian artists have received local acclaim, some have achieved global recognition without their Ghanaian roots being widely known.
Here are some popular songs—both in Ghana and internationally—that were created, written, or performed by Ghanaians you may not be aware of.
ICYMT: Ghana secures new jobs in Jamaica for nurses and teachers
1. Moliy – Shake It to the Max
Moliy is no stranger to the spotlight, and her latest hit, “Shake It to the Max,” has become a sensation. After a hiatus, the Ghanaian artist made a triumphant return, and a simple TikTok video featuring her and friends dancing to the song helped it go viral. The track caught the attention of dancehall stars Shenseea and Skillibeng, leading to an official remix.
2. Amaarae – Sad Girls Luv Money
You might recognize “Sad Girls Luv Money” for its catchy hook, but the artist behind it, Amaarae, is a Ghanaian-British singer. This track, featuring Moliy, gained viral popularity on TikTok after a remix with Colombian singer Kali Uchis was released in 2021, reaching number 80 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
3. Raye – Escapism
If you love “Escapism,” you should know that a Ghanaian is behind it. Raye’s debut album, My 21st Century Blues (2023), received critical acclaim, and “Escapism” became her first song to top the UK singles chart and enter the US Billboard Hot 100.
4. KiDi – Touch It
“Touch It” blends Afrobeat, Afro pop, and tropical dancehall, serving as the lead single from KiDi’s album Golden Boy. Like many tracks that gain traction on TikTok, this song has become one of KiDi’s most popular hits.
5. Jay Hover – One Leg
“One Leg” began as a dance lesson for partygoers struggling to keep up. After going viral on TikTok, Jay Hover released a song of the same name, which also gained popularity on the platform.
Ghana’s Influence is Everywhere
While artists like Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, and Shatta Wale are well-known, Ghanaian musical talent often operates under the radar—through production, songwriting, or vocals on international hits.
These songs remind us that Ghana’s influence is pervasive in both African and global music culture, often in ways that go unrecognized.
SOURCE: PULSE GHANA
