Ghana’s WIYAALA Mixes African Roots With Western Sounds Creating “Afro-Pop”

Hello readers! I hope everyone is well! Well it is another day and another interview on Young Africans on the Move with Samy. A couple of weeks ago, you met NuNu Wako, I hope you enjoyed her interview as much as I did.

Today, let’s talk Music in Africa. Regardless of what part of Africa you are from, music is likely a part of your memories. Music is played at special gatherings, or just while cleaning the house. Growing up, I still remember the songs that my parents played, these were my favorite songs as a kid.

As I got older, I noticed how music sparks conversations, especially if you are an African in the Diaspora. I have debated with some friends about who produces the best music. I think we all know who that is? My home country Congo-DRC … smiles.

Music is constantly changing; music from my parents’ days is not the same as today’s. Even music ten years ago is different. The one thing I love about African music especially, is that being from Congo, it is our pride and joy but I can go to Ivory Coast or Cameroun and play a Koffi Olomide (Congolese musician) song and they will know the song by heart sometimes.

I recently met this very fierce Ghanaian musician Wiyaala. Ghana and Nigeria are in recent years making a name in the wider music industry, with artists like Davido, Flavour, Keche, Sarkodie and others producing hot tunes from that area.

My next interviewee, is making headways in the music business. She has been compared to our African sista Angelique Kidjo. Her looks are compared to Grace Jones. She refers to herself as a village girl with very humble beginnings. Also she is the Ghanaian ambassador for an organization that myself and NuNu Wako are a part of: Music Unites Africa. Please meet Miss Wiyaala.

Name: Wiyaala
Age: 28
Origin: Upper West, Ghana
Professional background: Musician
Educational background: Kansec Senior Secondary High, Tumu, Upper West, Ghana
Takoradi Polytechnic : Graphic Design

1) What is your story? Wiyaala

I was born in the Northern part of Ghana, the Upper West. There was no electricity. I am a village girl. I grew up in a normal African traditional home. My father has three wives, I am the second daughter from my mom. There are six girls total from all his wives. My mom and dad are very educated, so they instilled the belief that education is important. I attended school, my parents made sure that we all got educated.

I have always lived in the Upper West until about 3 years ago, when I came to Accra (Capital of Ghana).

2) 3 words to describe yourself.

Daring. Energetic. Entertaining.

3) What is your favorite thing about being Ghanaian?

We easily forgive. We are very hospitable.

4) If you had to choose to collaborate with anyone who would it be?

Angelique Kidjo, Tina Turner and Beyoncé. I love the energy that they have on stage.

5) How did you get started in music?

I started by recording with local artists in The Upper West. I then went to audition for reality shows in Accra. I guess when I won the Vodafone Icons reality show, it was then that my music career really took off.

6) What inspires the material for your music?

My environment inspires me, the things happening in my community. I want to use my voice positively. Young people in my village especially young girls, most of them do not complete school, and they get married. I want girls to aspire to be educated.

7) Top 5 favorite songs you have recorded thus far?

Rock my body, Leno, Siiko, Bunsun and Africa.

8) What is the title of your new album and what was the inspiration behind it?

“Wiyaala” is the name. My name means “the doer knows best”. If people don’t ask you then they should not judge you. My inspiration was just observing things and watching them happen.

9) How do you describe your sound?

I like to mix my African roots with the western sounds. I call it Afro-Pop.

10) What do the next 5 years look like for you Ms. Wiyaala?

I should have learned a lot by then. I should be at the top of my game, among the best in the world. Be a role model for young people.

11) Advice for our readers and young people.

Stop complaining. Everyone has talent so use it. Do not always depend on others to get to where you want to go in life. We are young and capable, let us use that to our advantage. Do not let anyone tell you that you can’t. Help yourself first. You are your own limitation. Mingle with people that understand what you are trying to do.

For my young Africans: It is our time to make Africa better. This is the new Africa, like FUSE ODG says, let us create a new vision for Africa.

WIYAALA MUSIC VIDEO

Wiyaala

—
5/17/2016 UPDATE

New MUSIC VIDEO

 

Social Media Connections
Twitter: @Wiyaala
Facebook: Facebook.com/wiyaala
Youtube: Youtube.com/user/NoellaWiyaala
Website: www.wiyaala.com

Samy TshimangaSamandu Tshimanga, who goes by Samy, is a college graduate from Indiana University South Bend with a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Sociology. She loves the study of people. She is a freelance analyst and talks about politics, human rights and whatever else floats her boat. Her column Young Africans On The Move with Samy showcases exceptional young people making a difference in the community and in their countries back in Africa. Originally from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Samy currently resides in Indianapolis. Twitter: @chic_cocobelle

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