Get to Know the Artists Performing at This Year’s Afro Nation Ghana Festival Featured in Spotify’s Official ‘Afro Nation Ghana’ Playlist
Including headliners CKay, Skepta, Tiwa Savage, Uncle Waffles and Meek Mill.
Spotify’s “Afro Nation Ghana” playlist is your musical primer to the upcoming 2022 Afro Nation Ghana festival held on December 29 through the 30 in Accra, Ghana, at Marine Drive, Black Star Square. This year, the star-studded lineup includes special appearances from Meek Mill (marking his first performance in West Africa), P-Square, Skepta, Rema, Stonebwoy, Tiwa Savage, Asake, CKay, along with DJ and MC appearances from Scorpion Kings, Major League Djz, Uncle Waffles, Eddie Kadi and many more. Ahead of the festival’s return, Spotify celebrates its mission to platform the Afrobeats genre and unite the Black diaspora through music, entertainment and travel.
The world’s largest Afrobeats music festival, founded by Obi Asaka and SMADE in 2019, first debuted in Portimão, Portugal, and has since established an annual residency in the country held at the stunning Praia da Rocha beach – famed as one of the Algarve’s must-see destinations. Following its success, Afro Nation Ghana 2022 is rallying the continent’s reigning Afrobeats and Alté stars to take the stage for an unforgettable, two-day festival. Spotify’s “Afro Nation Ghana” playlist is a compendium of the melodies, landmark anthems and bangers encapsulating the diverse and multi-faceted Afrobeats genre. Below, get a taste of the 2022 lineup from home and learn more about the artists behind the turntables.
Black Sherif
Endorsed by Akon, DJ Khaled and Timberland, Mohammed Ismail Sharif, a.k.a. Black Sherif, is a rising singer and rapper hailing from Konongo-Zongo (the Ashanti Region of Ghana). The single “Kwaku the Traveller” put the artist on the map while solidifying his footprint in the Afrobeats genre. In 2019, the artist debuted his first single, “Cry for Me,” dropping “Money” the following year. He’s continued to gain exposure for his explosive live performances and brilliant on-stage presence that captivates longtime and new fans alike. Spotify’s mini docuseries titled Spotify RADAR Africa chronicles the artist’s humble beginnings in Konongo-Zongo, Ghana, and his journey to becoming a must-watch musician. As the platform’s current cover artist, the dedicated “RADAR Africa” playlist showcases his imprint on the country’s Afrobeats scene alongside counterparts like Victony, Bnxn and Ruger.
Uncle Waffles
DJ and producer Uncle Waffles has been instrumental in growing the Amapiano genre as one of Ghana’s international musical exports. The sound fuses a mashup of jazzy chord progressions, deep house and spacey EDM, usually paired with breathy vocals and accompanying LSD-inspired music videos. The 22-year-old artist, born Lungelihle Zwane, has distinguished her stamp on the genre and is quickly establishing herself as more than a viral social media personality. Uncle Waffles and Tony Duardo’s “Tanzania” (Ft. Sino Msolo and Boibizza) is a proper vibe check that’ll have you itching to visit a block party on the streets of Lagos. Deemed the “Princess of Amapiano,” Uncle Waffles’ sexy take on the lounge- and EDM-infused genre is infectiously refreshing and electric. She released her debut EP titled Red Dragon earlier this year.
Tiwa Savage
Tiwa Savage is a Nigerian-born singer-songwriter from Isale Eko (Lagos Island). At age 11, the artist relocated to London with her family. Shortly after, she launched her music career as a backup vocal artist for the likes of George Michael and Mary J. Blige. Known for a gorgeous, silky croon and equally impactful lyrics that speak to female empowerment and the throes of new love, Savage has worked with an impressive range of artists emerging from West and South Africa, including Asake, Amaarae and even the likes of R&B singer Brandy. Nigerian singer Dice Ailes tapped Savage to appear on his incandescent single “Hold Me,” further demonstrating the singer’s seductive range and presence within Afrobeats.
Gyakie
Jacqueline Acheampong, also known as Gyakie, is a Ghanaian R&B and afro-fusion singer-songwriter. Her first single, “Love Is Pretty,” released in 2019, introduced a mellow, reggae-inspired take on the familiar break up song format. Acheampong is the daughter of Ghanaian Highlife legend Ernest ‘Owoahene’ Nana Acheampong. Forging her own musical path apart from her familial legacy, Gyakie dropped her debut EP Seed, a five-track sample of the singer’s afro-fusion pop. Released in 2020, the single “Forever” turned heads as a timeless love ballad showcasing the song bird’s delicate vocals.
Camidoh
Raphael Camidoh Kofi Attachie, known by the stage name Camidoh, is Ghanaian Afropop, R&B and Afrobeats songwriter. The artist made headway for his single “Sugarcane,” released this year. After a successful 2020 UK tour, Camidoh landed the chance to work with UK-based Ghanaian music producer Juls, later collaborating with rising artists Kelvyn Boy, Medikal, Darkovibes and Sefa. His debut EP, titled CP, features production from the likes of Ghanaian American-based producer Nektunez.
Queue the artists above by visiting Spotify’s “Afro Nation Ghana” playlist and learn more about Afro Nation Ghana here.
