Ghanaian Afro-fusion star Gyakie, born Jackline Acheampong, has released her evocative new single Sankofa, marking her first release of the year. The track is the lead single for her highly anticipated debut album After Midnight, set to drop later this year, and has already begun captivating listeners with its emotional depth. Known for her breakout hit Forever from the 2020 Seed EP and her 2022 My Diary EP featuring a collaboration with Davido, Gyakie continues to evolve, blending Afro-fusion, R&B, and highlife into a sound that resonates globally.
Sankofa, co-written with longtime collaborator Eyram Gbewonyo (Afrolektra), is a soulful anthem rooted in the Ghanaian Adinkra symbol, meaning “to go back and retrieve what has been lost.” The song explores themes of reflection, reconnection, and emotional honesty, offering a raw and vulnerable glimpse into Gyakie’s inner world. With its stripped-down production and emotive delivery, the track features her rich vocals weaving a narrative of healing and closure, drawing from personal experiences of solitude and grief. Gyakie has shared that the song reflects moments of late-night tears and her mother’s tradition of post-midnight prayers, a ritual that shapes the album’s introspective tone. Fans have embraced its poignant vibe, with early reactions describing it as a masterpiece perfect for the stillness of the night.
The release follows weeks of anticipation, with Gyakie teasing Sankofa across social media and speaking at the 2025 Forbes Summit about her sonic evolution. As a trailblazer signed to RCA Records UK and Sony Music Africa, she’s poised to redefine African music with After Midnight, a project inspired by the quiet, creative hours after midnight. Available now on streaming platforms, Sankofa sets a powerful tone for the album, inviting listeners into Gyakie’s deeply personal journey with a haunting and uplifting sound.
Listen to Sankofa here.
