This time last year, Gyakie had confirmed her entry into the echelon of rising superstars. The Ghanaian singer’s behemoth single, “Forever,” along with its Omah Lay-assisted remix, captured the ears and hearts of Afropop audiences across the continent and in the diaspora. Later that year, Gyakie followed with “NEED ME,” which emphasised her colourful sonic preferences and assured songwriting abilities. In the time since breaking out, she’s also worked with Nigerian singer Mayorkun, Tanzanian singer Jux, and more pan-African collaborators.

 

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Until today, Gyakie’s 2022 output has been limited to a handful of guest appearances. Opening her headline account for this year, she’s back with a romance-themed single, “SOMETHING,” which sees her put a more complex spin on her writing. Across her growing catalogue, Gyakie has often focused her love songs on the devotional side of the spectrum, resulting in highlights like “Sor Mi Mu” and her breakout smash. This new song is an impressive change of pace, as she sounds deeply annoyed by an inconsistent partner. “It’s like I’m walking far away to you/Baby, don’t try,” Gyakie sings on the bridge, extending an olive branch without coming across as smitten.

Produced by Nigerian wunderking producer P.Priime, “SOMETHING” is a delightful blend of pinched highlife guitar riffs, folk-inflected Afropop percussion, R&B piano melodies, an apt arrangement for the singer’s dazzling, husky vocals. This emotive single, with its lived-in premise, is another step in Gyakie’s artistic evolution. Reportedly the lead single of an upcoming EP, “SOMETHING” sets an expectant tone for whatever the singer has coming next, and also serves as a strong standalone song that declares that Gyakie is working her forward as a superstar.

Listen to “SOMETHING” here.

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