Gyakie's Dream: Collaborating with British-Nigerian Icon Sade

Ghanaian R&B and Afro-fusion artiste Gyakie has set her sights on a dream collaboration with one of the most influential figures in contemporary music: British-Nigerian singer-songwriter Sade. In a recent appearance on Joy Prime's Changes show, Gyakie expressed her admiration for the legendary vocalist, describing the ambition as having "gone to the end of the tunnel literally."

Speaking with host Nikki Samonas, the Songbird—as Gyakie is affectionately known—explained what draws her to Sade's artistry. According to the Ghanaian singer, Sade's body of work, particularly her focus on love-centred lyrics and distinctive vocal tone, resonates deeply with her own musical identity. "Her lyrics, and you know most of her songs are love songs that's what draws me closer to her sound, lyrics, tone. I see my sound in her sound as well and I think we'll really sound good if it ever happens," Gyakie shared.

Who is Sade?

Helen Folasade Adu, professionally known as Sade, stands as one of Britain's most successful female artists. Her career spans decades, with a catalogue of timeless records that have defined smooth soul and sophisticated pop music. Hit singles such as Smooth Operator, Your Love Is King, and By Your Side have made her a household name worldwide. Sade's influence on contemporary music remains profound, and she continues to be regarded as a standard-bearer for artistry and musical excellence.

Gyakie's Rising Profile

For Gyakie, the aspiration reflects her own trajectory as an emerging force in African music. Since her debut in 2019 with the single Love Is Pretty, followed by Never Like This, the Ghanaian vocalist has steadily built her reputation. Her breakthrough moment came with Forever from her five-track EP Seed, released in August 2020. The song achieved remarkable success, topping charts not only in Ghana but also in Kenya and Nigeria, establishing Gyakie as a cross-border talent with continental appeal.

More recently, Gyakie continues to build momentum with new releases. Her latest single, Your Body, has already begun generating substantial public interest within days of its release, suggesting that the artiste's upward trajectory shows no signs of slowing.

Why It Matters for Ghana

Gyakie's aspiration highlights the growing confidence of Ghanaian musicians on the global stage. By naming an artist of Sade's calibre as a dream collaborator, Gyakie is not merely expressing fandom—she is positioning herself within a lineage of serious, lyrically-focused artists who prioritise artistry over commercial trends. For Ghana's music industry, such ambitions underscore how local talent increasingly views itself as capable of meeting international standards.

The dream collaboration also reflects broader trends in African music, where cross-continental and international partnerships have become catalysts for growth and recognition. Should such a collaboration materialise, it would likely serve as a significant milestone not only for Gyakie personally but for Ghana's music export profile. The shared emphasis both artistes place on love-centred narratives and vocal sophistication suggests that artistic compatibility extends beyond geography, a message that resonates with audiences seeking meaningful, emotionally intelligent music.

For now, Gyakie remains focused on developing her craft and expanding her reach. With Fresh releases attracting attention and her undeniable vocal talents drawing comparisons to established international figures, the stage appears set for the young Ghanaian artiste to continue her ascent in global music.