Ghanaian singer and songwriter Gyakie returns with her emotionally rich new single, "Sankofa", a heartfelt anthem inspired by the Ghanaian adinkra symbol meaning "to return and retrieve what was lost". Co-written with frequent collaborator Eyram Gbewonyo (Afrolektra), the track showcases a more vulnerable, introspective side of Gyakie, marking a powerful evolution in her musical journey.
"Sankofa" sets the tone for Gyakie’s highly anticipated debut album, "After Midnight". This deeply personal project draws inspiration from the quiet, emotionally charged hours after midnight, when creativity flows, feelings deepen, and reflection thrives.
Gyakie reveals that nearly every song on the album was written and recorded in those serene, late-night hours. From dealing with grief and solitude to embracing healing and hope, "After Midnight" is as much an emotional diary as it is a sonic experience. A touching family tradition, her mother’s post-midnight prayers, adds another layer of meaning to the album’s concept.
Speaking on the album’s essence, Gyakie shares:
"Almost all the songs on the album were recorded after midnight. It’s 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".
Beyond its musical scope, After Midnight is also a reflection of Gyakie’s personal experiences and emotional journey. She opens up about moments of solitude, grief, and healing:
"I’ve done a lot of crying after midnight too. When I’m in my down moments, I schedule my tears for when I get home from work, then I let it all out".
The album’s theme also draws from Gyakie’s upbringing. A cherished family tradition involved her mother praying for her and her siblings after midnight, a ritual that continues to this day. "It was a consistent routine, and it still is. That time of the night holds so much meaning for me", she adds.
With After Midnight, Gyakie invites listeners into her world, a space where raw emotions, nostalgia, and introspection collide. It’s an album best experienced in the stillness of the night, at 12:01 AM, when honesty flows most freely..
