Gyakie Praises Shatta Wale to Grammys: "You Can’t Talk About Dancehall in Ghana Without Him"

Gyakie Praises Shatta Wale to Grammys: "You Can’t Talk About Dancehall in Ghana Without Him"

  • Ghanaian songstress and influencer Gyakie has rated Shatta Wale as the best Dancehall musician in Ghana
  • In an exclusive interview with the Grammy Recording Academy, the 25-year-old showered accolades on the On God hitmaker
  • Some social media users have reacted to Gyakie's interview after it was published on the Grammy Awards' website

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In a recent interview featured on the Grammy Recording Academy’s website on August 26, 2025, rising star Gyakie, often recognised for her soulful sound, asserted the undeniable importance of Shatta Wale in the landscape of Ghanaian Dancehall and Reggae music.

She emphasised that any conversation about these genres in Ghana would be incomplete without mentioning Shatta Wale as a pivotal figure.

Gyakie, Ghanaian Musician, Jackline Acheampong, Charles Nii Armah, Grammy Recording Academy, Gyakie's New Album, Gyakie Interviews
Gyakie says no one can talk about Dancehall music in Ghana without mentioning Shatta Wale. Photo credit: @gyakie.
Source: Instagram

Gyakie talks about her album

As Gyakie prepares to launch her highly anticipated debut album on August 29, 2025, she has expressed her excitement about collaborating with Shatta Wale on a track, affirming his status as one of the most influential artists in the Ghanaian music scene.

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Her album showcased a rich lineup of featured artists, including American singer 6lack, UK rap sensation Headie One, and Nigerian producer-singer Young Jonn, alongside the Dancehall icon, Shatta Wale.

Gyakie explained that each collaboration on the album stemmed from authentic musical chemistry, rather than simply the desire for star power.

Shatta Wale was featured on the fourth track, titled Harmattan. Gyakie shared that after reflecting on her initial recording, she instantly envisioned Shatta Wale's voice as the perfect enhancement for the song.

Gyakie talks about working with Shatta Wale

Discussing the creative process, Gyakie noted that working on the track with Shatta Wale was a seamless experience. Upon sending him the project, she was pleased to see his enthusiasm shine through in the additional verse he contributed.

"In Ghana, when it comes to Dancehall and Reggae, Shatta Wale is one of the first names that come to mind. He’s made significant contributions to the industry. After I recorded ‘Harmattan,’ I immediately thought of how it needed another layer, and his voice was the first that popped into my head. Upon sending the track, I could tell he loved it because he really poured his heart into his verse," she reflected.

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Gyakie reminisced about a conversation they had, where Shatta Wale expressed his enjoyment while recording and his belief in the song's potential. “I’m truly grateful for the effort he invested in this,” she said.

Gyakie shares details about her midnight album

Her album is a testament to the genuine connections she sought with her collaborators.

“In this project, every collaboration stemmed from a sincere desire to bond musically. It feels natural, and you can hear that these artists truly wanted to create something special together. Sometimes, collaborations can feel transactional. But for this album, it was markedly different," she explained.
“These are artists who not only admire my work but also respect the craft that I bring to the table. The way they connected with the songs made the process feel even sweeter. Given their stature in the music industry, it carries immense significance that they chose to be part of my project.”

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An Instagram video of Gyakie's new song is below:

Gyakie delves into working with international stars

Gyakie candidly acknowledged the pressure of reaching out to high-profile artists in the viral interview.

“It’s never easy to share a track with someone at that level and get them to agree, regardless of your talent. The fact they believed in the songs and were eager to contribute reassures me that I’m on the right path.”

An excerpt of Gyakie's interview with the Grammy Recording Academy is below:

Gyakie, Ghanaian Musician, Jackline Acheampong, Charles Nii Armah, Grammy Recording Academy, Gyakie's New Album, Gyakie Interviews
Gyakie says Shatta Wale is one of the best Dancehall musicians in Ghana. Photo credit: @grammys.
Source: Instagram

Gyakie rocks mullet hair at an event

Ghanaian musician Gyakie, known for her vibrant personality, made a notable fashion statement during the state funeral held at Black Star Square in Accra on August 15, 2025.

The solemn ceremony honoured eight officials and military personnel who tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District, which prompted a heartfelt national response.

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Dressed in a sophisticated knee-length black cape dress, Gyakie captured the essence of elegance while showing solidarity with the bereaved families of the fallen heroes.

Nonetheless, her striking mullet hairstyle became a topic of extensive discussions and debates across social media platforms, particularly Instagram.

The Instagram video of Gyakie's elegant hairstyle is below:

Gyakie models in a beautiful braids hairstyle

Earlier, YEN.com.gh wrote about musician Gyakie's striking cover feature in 82k.magazine, where she showcased a collection of elegant outfits.

She spoke about her fashion, her musical achievements, and her success in topping charts across Africa.

Many social media users commented on Gyakie's fashion sense, solidifying her status as a fashion icon in addition to her musical prowess.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Portia Arthur avatar

Portia Arthur (Entertainment Editor) Portia Arthur holds a BA in publishing from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (2013). She worked as a Lifestyle editor for Pulse.com.gh for 5 years. She has worked with celebrities and footballers in image consultancy and management. She started for YEN.com.gh in 2022 and is currently the fashion editor at Yen.com.gh. She has completed Google News Intiative News Labs courses and Advanced Lab courses in Advanced Digital Reporting fighting misinformation. She can be reached via email: portia.arthur@yen.com.gh

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