Ghanaian songstress Wiyaala on the rising popularity of African music, being compared to Grace Jones, and finding fame with her ‘androgynous’ image
Dubbed the ‘young Lioness of Africa’, Wiyaala is a musical force to be reckoned with. Hailing from Ghana, the fast-rising artist sings in both English and her native language, Sissala, creating a style that she calls ‘Sissala Pop.’
Often singing about the stories and traditions of her childhood, and fusing those tales with contemporary Western song structures, Wiyaala self-released her first album, Tuma, in 2009.
Three years later, she was a member of the group Black N Peach, who won the music reality show, Vodafone Icons Mixed Edition 2012.
But with solo success in her sights, the singer, born Noella Wiyaala, formed her own identity – opting to use her surname (which translates to “the doer” in Sissala) as her professional name, and adopting a fierce and fabulous image to match.
She went on to find favour with her 2013 hits Make Me Dance and Rock My Body, which were both nominated for awards at Ghana’s 4Syte TV Music Video Awards.
The following year was filled with further success. She released her World Cup anthem Go Go, Black Stars for Ghana’s national football team; she was confirmed as the face of Pepsi Ghana; she was nominated for Female Fashion Personality of The Year at the Fashion Icons Awards; and she won the award for the Most Promising Musician in Africa at The All Africa Music Awards.
Having also racked up a plethora of live performances, Wiyaala will now bring her unique style to UK shores, when she performs as part of the world renowned WOMAD music festival next month.
Here, the songstress talks to Life & Style about the rising popularity of African music in the mainstream; being compared to Grace Jones; and embracing her ‘androgynous’ image.
How do you describe your musical style?
I think Afro-pop would broadly define my musical style. I sing in Sissala, Waale and English, often mixing the languages up. So sometimes I call it Sissala Pop.
I often sing about the stories and the traditions of my childhood, using contemporary western song structures – you know like, verse, chorus; verse, chorus; bridge, chorus, etc. I think it’s because there is a very strong melodic tradition in the music of the West and my work shows that they can work well together.
What inspired your love of music?
My surroundings as a child played a huge part. My mother was a chorister so music was everywhere. I come from a family of songwriters and musicians, but I am the first one to make it out of the village.
There was no electricity and so we would make our own entertainment under the moonlight in the village. My song Siiko is about those days. Sometimes we might occasionally see videos of Madonna and Michael Jackson thanks to the one TV and generator in the village.
After the TV went off, I would imitate both of them, their dance moves and everything. I didn’t know what they were singing about so I would make up my own words to fit the melodies. Back then I was a star in my village. I was inspired by that as much as African musical traditions, which is why when you hear me today, you hear both influences.
What are your key memories of growing up in Ghana?
I used to walk around a lot scouting and hunting lizards with the boys using catapults. I also used to get beaten a lot for stubbornness and doing wild things – there was a special cane in the house reserved for me. I remember playing football, wrestling and looking for trouble. I was happy doing these things.
At school, you were described as ‘man-woman’, and now, as an artist, your image is often described as androgynous. Do you consider that an accurate description?
I love this question! Am I actually a man dressed as a woman? Well, last time I checked, I’m all woman. But yes, it is kind of accurate. I was always a little boy more than a little girl. I played aggressive football and at school I was known as ‘man-woman’. I ride big motorbikes and I am very strong for a girl. So to be honest, since it has helped me to gain identity in showbiz, I’ve encouraged it a little!
How do you feel about being compared to Grace Jones?
I love it! I’ve been compared to Angelique Kidjo, Mariam Makeba, Brenda Fassie, Tracy Chapman and most recently Katy Perry. What a line-up – even I’m impressed!
Recent years have seen the mainstream take a greater interest in African music, with increased radio airplay for Afrobeats, and major label signings of several African artists. Do you think this interest will be long-lasting?
Totally. African talent is just as good as any other. What is happening is that we Africans are now learning better how to make an impact. Standards of production and marketing are improving month by month.
What can audiences expect from your WOMAD performance and are you looking forward to it?
Looking forward to it? I’ve been waiting for this kind of stage since I was about five years old! I’ve actually got two performances at Womad. The first is to cook a traditional Ghanaian dish for the festival-goers at their Taste The World stand in the morning. The second is my musical performance. The food will be tasty and I will do a couple of acoustic numbers to help it go down well! As for the performance, I am an entertainer so if the audience don’t go home feeling good, I have not done my job. My musical menu will be full of contrasts, the echoes and sounds of my childhood, through to a total African rock-out vibe.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I want to tell your readers that I don’t believe Africa is a complete basket case. Africa is rising. There are many hugely talented young Africans and they are the future. I believe in that future.
Written by Davina Hamilton
