Gyakie Opens Up About Early Career Struggles: “I Cried Every Three Days Under Pressure”
Ghanaian songstress Jackline Acheampong, popularly known as Gyakie, has revealed the immense pressure she faced early in her career, especially following the breakout success of her hit song, Forever. In an exclusive interview with BBC Africa, the artist shared how the overwhelming expectations from fans and her management often left her in tears.
“At the beginning of my career, I would cry at home almost every three days because the pressure was too much,” she admitted. “Especially when Forever blew up, the expectations were so high for me to deliver another hit song.”
Gyakie explained that her sensitivity to pressure made the early days of her career particularly challenging. “If I’m pressured or shouted at, I’ll grab a tissue and cry. So, I don’t like to be pressured or shouted at,” she added.
Despite the struggles, the talented singer has since developed a thick skin and learned to navigate the demands of the music industry. She also addressed the negativity she encountered on social media, noting that it took time to build resilience against hurtful criticism.
“It’s good when it feels like motivation, but it’s different when it’s not coming from a good place,” she said. “Now, I could see anything about me, even if it’s untrue, and I’d just laugh and say, ‘Somebody give me water because the country is already hard.'”
Gyakie’s journey from a young artist overwhelmed by expectations to one of Ghana’s most celebrated female musicians is a testament to her resilience and growth. Her single Forever, which has surpassed 150 million combined streams, continues to highlight her exceptional talent and enduring influence on the music scene.
BBC Africa
