Ghanaian singer-songwriter Gyakie returns with a new single, “Sankofa,” a soulful anthem that delves into the themes of reflection and emotional truth. Co-written with her longtime collaborator Eyram Gbewonyo (Afrolektra), the track signifies a new chapter in Gyakie’s artistic journey, marked by raw introspection and vulnerability.
Inspired by the Ghanaian adinkra symbol Sankofa, which means to retrieve what has been lost, the song beautifully encapsulates the essence of reconnection, closure, and emotional honesty. With minimalist production and heartfelt delivery, Gyakie provides a sneak peek into her upcoming debut album.
The highly anticipated album, After Midnight, is described by Gyakie as a deeply personal project inspired by the quiet, reflective hours after midnight, when emotions run deep and creativity flows freely.
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Reflecting on the album’s creation, Gyakie states, “Almost all the songs were recorded after midnight. The peace, the sounds of nature, the serenity—everything about that time fuels my creativity.”
After Midnight also serves as a reflection of Gyakie’s personal experiences, touching on themes of solitude, grief, and healing. She shares, “I’ve done a lot of crying after midnight too. When I’m feeling down, I schedule my tears for when I get home from work.”
The album’s theme is rooted in Gyakie’s upbringing, including a cherished family tradition of her mother praying for her and her siblings after midnight—a ritual that continues to this day. “That time of the night holds so much meaning for me,” she adds.
With After Midnight, Gyakie invites listeners into her world, where raw emotions, nostalgia, and introspection converge. It’s an album best experienced in the stillness of the night, particularly at 12:01 AM, when honesty flows most freely.
Before this release, Gyakie gained recognition with her breakout EP Seed in 2021, featuring the hit single “Forever,” followed by the 2022 EP My Diary, which included collaborations with global icons like Davido. These projects showcased her growth as an artist with a distinctive voice and the ability to convey universal stories with grace.
As a global innovator, Gyakie was a featured speaker at the 2025 Forbes Summit, where she shared insights into her musical evolution and genre-blending direction. With influences ranging from Afro-fusion to R&B, hip-hop, and highlife, she is redefining the boundaries of African music on the world stage.
Gyakie is celebrated for her rich vocals and emotional storytelling. Since her breakthrough with “Forever,” she has cultivated a global fanbase with her genre-fluid sound. Her debut album After Midnight promises to be her most authentic and transformative work to date.
