Ghana’s songbird Gyakie has unveiled the official trailer for her highly anticipated debut album, AFTER MIDNIGHT, coming August 29, offering fans an intimate glimpse into the story, spirit, and soul behind her next chapter.

The visual, directed by Alex Piper, a celebrated filmmaker who has worked with global stars including Rema, Playboi Carti, and Travis Scott, captures Gyakie’s artistry with cinematic depth, spotlighting her evolution from a young girl with music in her blood to an artist fully stepping into her power.

Born to the legendary Ghanaian musician Nana Acheampong, Gyakie carries a rich musical heritage, but AFTER MIDNIGHT is her own statement: a deeply personal body of work shaped in the stillness and mystery of the night.

The album’s title draws from the hours it was created, with nearly every song written and recorded after midnight. “Almost all the songs on the album were recorded after midnight,” Gyakie shared.

“It is within those hours that I find my best inspiration to write. The peace and quiet, the sounds from the birds, the serenity, everything about that time fuels my creativity.”
Gyakie

AFTER MIDNIGHT is a soundtrack to the myriad moods of the after-hours. It holds the weight of reflection, introspection, and spirituality, hours spent in deep thought, in prayer, or in private emotional release, tied to a cherished family tradition of her mother praying for her and her siblings after midnight.

It tells stories of love, from the warmth of passion to the ache of heartbreak, and it celebrates joy, capturing midnight as the true beginning of festivity, when music, lights, and laughter spill into morning.

From the first frame of Piper’s striking trailer, it is clear that AFTER MIDNIGHT will be both deeply personal and universally relatable, an album that invites listeners to live, love, reflect, and celebrate in the magic of the night.

Gyakie Copies Rihanna’s Mullet Hairstyle

As a 2025 Forbes 30 Under 30 awardee, musician Gyakie arrived at the high-profile ceremony dressed in a sophisticated knee-length black cape dress, embodying elegance while mourning in solidarity with the families of the fallen heroes.

However, Gyakie’s full-on mullet hairstyle sparked extensive discussions and controversies on Instagram.

While some Instagram users criticised Gyakie’s decision, arguing that the hairstyle did not align with her personal brand or the sombre nature of the event, others applauded her for taking a bold stance and channelling a significant fashion influence.

The divergence of opinions underlined the complexities of personal style, particularly in the context of cultural significance and individual expression.

Ghanaian musician Gyakie was recognised as one of Forbes Africa’s prestigious 30 Under 30 Class of 2025 honorees, which underscored her growing impact in the African music landscape.

This esteemed list highlights young leaders across the continent who are making significant contributions in various fields, celebrating their innovation and meaningful influence.

Gyakie’s signature sound, characterised by her impressive vocal range and profound emotional depth, has resonated with audiences not just in Ghana, but across Africa and beyond.

Her remarkable ability to forge cross-border collaborations has firmly established her as a formidable force in the contemporary Afrobeats scene, further enhancing her profile in the music industry.

As discussions about her hairstyle continue, Gyakie’s presence at such a significant event, coupled with her recognition on an international platform, speaks volumes about her influence and the evolving nature of artistic expression in modern culture.

Barbadian singer and businesswoman Robyn Rihanna Fenty, better known as singer Rihanna, made the hairstyle popular at the New York Fashion Week in 2013.

Rihanna made waves at the time with her edgy new look, featuring a cropped fringe that transitioned into playful long extensions at the back.

Gyakie’s homage to this iconic hairstyle, however, has attracted mixed reactions from social media users.