Weeks ago, Gyakie kicked off her solo output for 2022 with “Something.” Having strode down the path of features for most of the year, the song was demonstrative of what we know about the Ghanaian singer’s talent since breaking out with “Forever.” It was reaffirming to her burgeoning fanbase across Africa and beyond that Gyakie’s catalogue consistently propels her towards unlocking deeper layers of her folk-inspired artistry.     

 

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Ushering listeners into July is Gyakie’s second single of the year, “FOR MY BABY.” As she’s shown on previous songs, the topic of romantic love is a portal for Gyakie to enter the deeper parts of her person. Irrespective of her position in the extremes of morality, her ability to channel perspective results in extremely cathartic songs. That tradition follows into this new affair which sees her layering affirmative lyrics over the minimal embrace of Soji’s production. 

The record sets a warm mood, carried on the assured singing of Gyakie. With her husky vocals enunciating her desires, she’s accompanied by luminous guitars, saxophone notes, and local percussion that’s richly evocative of Highlife. “Why you like to act like this?” she sings in the way of a concerned lover, unwilling to throw in the towel on a relationship that’s taken a while to build. It is an admittedly trite theme among Afropop musicians; the enduring quality of Gyakie’s song is however the weight of its restrained emotions, each line written with accomplished economy. 

“FOR MY BABY” is the second single off ‘My Diary,’ the sophomore EP from Gyakie which is forthcoming on July 22nd. The project features six tracks, and will surely be intended to solidify the singer’s astounding run at the zenith of the global movement that is Afropop.