Popular and venerated Ghanaian singer, Wiyaala, has averred that she will always stay true to herself and her community, despite her international success.
The Ghanaian Afro-pop singer disclosed that changing stereotypes, and remaining true to herself and her tribe, were crucial in her rise to popularity. Therefore, there is no way she will forget her roots and take on a different image.
According to the singer, several people advised her to change her style of music and even asked her to change her image to suit the trend at that time. However, according to Wiyaala, she decided to stay true to herself.
“I chose to adhere to what God gave me, even though it was difficult. Some people attempted to persuade me to close the gap between my teeth since it wasn’t sellable, but I simply kept going. I am delighted that I have been able to stay loyal to myself. I’ve seen the world, yet when I return to my hometown, I’m the same person. I haven’t changed; the only difference is that I’m now famous and on television”.
Wiyaala
The ‘Sun and Moon’ hitmaker explained that establishing an example for young ladies in her community is essential to her as she said: “I’m making every effort to do a good job representing Sissala. This is how all the Sissala girls appear; they resemble me, thus I have no plans to change who I am. The little ones will be puzzled if I go out and bleach my skin”.
Wiyaala then concluded by advising the youth, especially, young women saying, “Just be yourself; if you have naturally light skin, that’s lovely; your hair is also lovely; you can’t start messing with your skin color because it’s your identity”.
Wiyaala Releases ‘Coming with Fire’
Wiyaala, recently released ‘Coming with Fire’, her first single for 2022. This is a follow-up to ‘Yaga Yaga’, a song she released last year.
According to Wiyaala, the song is premised on her primary focus to create great art. Any consequent accumulation of money or celebrity status is incidental and secondary to the main purpose, as she sang: “Our sound, our mind, can you dream it? Make you go boom boom like a ‘cong’. Take a bow, forget the haters. All this for love, not for the paper”.
Wiyaala’s uncompromising delivery of ragga punchlines is juxtaposed with an operatic soaring chorus and an aggressive beat, which combined with Wiyaala’s fast-cut edit, offers viewers an overwhelming visual experience.
The song is heavily influenced by the work of K.O.G (Kweku of Ghana), an internationally renowned professional UK-based musician, artist, songwriter, percussionist, and multi-instrumentalist from Elmina.
The collaboration arose out of a chance meeting at the ‘Shambala’ Festival in the UK. Wiyaala and K.O.G, recognizing that they were fellow Ghanaians, agreed to work together on an album, from which two songs have now been released, ‘Yaga Yaga’ in 2021 and ‘Coming With Fire’ this year.
Read also: GIPC Urges Public To Disregard Publication On Gov’t Paying For Flag Lighting At Dubai Expo 2020