Noella Wiyaala Nwadei, professionally known as Wiyaala, is a Ghanaian Afro-pop singer-songwriter celebrated for her distinctive style, powerful voice, and contributions to African music.
Born on December 22, 1986, in Wa, Upper West Ghana, Wiyaala sings in a mix of her native Sissala and Waala dialects, along with English. Her stage name, meaning “the doer” in Sissala, reflects her dynamic presence in the music industry.
Wiyaala first gained national attention with her single “Make Me Dance” and her androgynous image. However, it was the 2013 release of “Rock My Body” that propelled her to stardom. This track, which featured a dance move initiated by Van Calebs, earned her two prestigious awards at the 2014 All Africa Music Awards: Most Promising Artiste in Africa and Revelation of The African Continent. She has also worked closely with UNICEF Ghana and the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection to combat issues like child marriage, poverty, and health concerns. Notably, she headlined the 15th London African Music Festival and was recognized as one of the Top 30 Most Influential Women in Music by the 3Music Awards Women’s Brunch in 2021.
Wiyaala’s musical journey began in her childhood in Funsi and Tumu, where she was one of four sisters. Her mother, a choir singer, nurtured her talent from an early age. Wiyaala’s tomboyish nature and passion for football during her teenage years did not hinder her artistic development, and she became a sought-after entertainer at Kanton Secondary School in Tumu. Later, she attended Takoradi Polytechnic to study art and design.
Her professional music career took off after she moved to Accra and participated in reality shows like “Stars of the Future.” Although her first two auditions did not impress, she persisted and reached the finals in 2011. In 2012, she won Vodafone ICONS Mixed Edition as part of the band Black N Peach. Shortly afterward, Wiyaala left the group to pursue a solo career, signing with Djimba World Records. Her debut single “Make Me Dance” was followed by “Rock My Body,” solidifying her reputation in the music industry.
Wiyaala’s eponymous debut album, released in November 2014, received critical acclaim and was nominated for Album of the Year at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards and All Africa Music Awards in 2015. The video for her song “Africa” won Music Video of the Year at the 2015 All Africa Music Awards.
Beyond Africa, Wiyaala has made a significant impact internationally. In 2015, she performed at the Hague African Festival in the Netherlands and the Afrikadey Festival in Calgary, Canada. Her performance at WOMAD UK garnered rave reviews, with The Irish Times calling her a “powerhouse” in the mold of Angelique Kidjo. She also joined In Place of War’s “Voices of the Revolution,” an international group of female musicians from conflict zones, performing across the UK.
In addition to her music, Wiyaala is a passionate advocate for women’s rights and social justice. Her song “Tinambayai,” sung in Sissala, addresses the exploitation of women in Africa. Wiyaala has spoken out against early child marriage and family violence, advocating for girls’ education and empowerment. She partners with UNICEF and the Ghanaian government on various initiatives to promote children’s rights and public health.
Wiyaala’s music style blends Afro-pop, Afro-rock, and tribal folk, with influences from Madonna, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, and African legends like Angelique Kidjo and Miriam Makeba. Her bold, androgynous image has drawn comparisons to Jamaican singer Grace Jones, further setting her apart in the African music scene.
Wiyaala’s success has led to numerous accolades. In 2015, she received six nominations at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, winning Best Songwriter and Best Female Vocalist. She also earned international recognition when BBC News named her one of the African Women Celebrated in 2018.
In 2018, Wiyaala released her second album, Sissala Goddess, featuring singles like “Village Sex” and “When the Lord Get Us Ready.” Beyond music, she has expanded her talents into acting, making her television debut in Viasat 1’s hit series MultiKoloured in 2013 and her movie debut in the 2016 feature film No Man’s Land.
A trailblazer in both fashion and music, Wiyaala is known for designing her own stage outfits and jewelry, which reflect the rich culture of her home region. In 2014, she was nominated as Female Personality of the Year at the Ghana Fashion Icon Awards and won the Best Individual Style Award at the 2015 Glitz Style Awards.
Committed to giving back, Wiyaala has established an Arts and Culture Center in her hometown, where she recruits and grooms young talent. Through her music, activism, and community projects, Wiyaala continues to inspire young people across Africa and beyond.
