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Ghanaian Afro-fusion star Gyakie, born Jackline Acheampong, has released her highly anticipated debut album After Midnight, marking a significant milestone in her career. Known for her soothing vocals and heartfelt storytelling, Gyakie delivers a 17-track project that blends Afrobeats, R&B, and highlife, capturing the essence of late-night emotions, reflection, and celebration. The album, inspired by the quiet and creative hours after midnight, exhibits her growth and her ability to weave personal experiences into relatable music.
After Midnight is Gyakie’s first full-length album, following her successful EPs Seed (2020) and My Diary (2022), which introduced her signature Afro-fusion sound through hits like Forever and Flames featuring Davido. The album reflects her maturation as a songwriter and vocalist, drawing from her Ghanaian heritage, her father, Nana Acheampong, is a highlife legend, and influences from R&B, hip-hop, and pop. The title After Midnight is literal, as most tracks were written and recorded in the stillness of the night, a time Gyakie describes as fueling her creativity with “peace, quiet, and serenity.”
The album explores a duality of moods: the sacred and the scandalous, the reflective and the reckless. It captures moments of introspection, spirituality tied to her family’s tradition of post-midnight prayers, and the vibrant energy of nightlife. Tracks like Sankofa, a single released earlier in 2025, set the tone with soulful reflections on emotional truth, while others like House Party featuring Young Jonn bring infectious, danceable energy.
The album’s themes revolve around love, heartbreak, healing, and joy. Gyakie wrote 90% of the project herself, often starting with a feeling rather than words, letting beats guide her melodies. This organic process results in music that feels alive, balancing vulnerability with confidence.
The 17-track project features 6LACK on Damn U, where he adds a soulful R&B edge, while Shatta Wale brings dancehall energy to Harmattan. Headie One joins on I’m Not Taken, blending UK drill with Gyakie’s smooth vocals. Omar Sterling appears on Luv and Y2K Love, infusing nostalgic R&B and hip-hop tones. Young Jonn delivers catchy Afrobeats hooks on House Party, and Kojey Radical contributes introspective lyricism to Party Galore. These artists, handpicked to align with Gyakie’s vision, create a seamless fusion, highlighting her versatility as she bridges diverse worlds.
Released to widespread anticipation, After Midnight has been praised for its cinematic depth and emotional resonance. The album’s trailer, directed by Alex Piper, known for work with Rema and Travis Scott, visually captures Gyakie’s journey from a young artist to a huge force. Critics highlight her ability to blend genres seamlessly, positioning her as a leader in African music’s global rise. With nearly 200 million Spotify streams from her earlier work, After Midnight is expected to elevate her status further.
Gyakie’s introspective approach and genre-fluid sound make After Midnight a landmark project. She aims for listeners to find “healing, enjoyment, love, or peace of mind,” and the album delivers on this promise, inviting fans into her world of late-night musings and vibrant celebrations.
With After Midnight, Gyakie steps firmly into a new era. She has announced plans for her annual Live Experience with Gyakie concert and a potential tour, hinting at more collaborations to come. For fans of Afro-fusion and soulful storytelling, After Midnight is a must-listen, available on major streaming platforms.
Listen to After Midnight here.
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