Ghanaian singer Gyakie, born Jackline Acheampong, has opened up about the emotional hurdles she encountered at the onset of her music career, notably after her breakout track “Forever” soared in popularity. During an interview with DJ Edu on BBC Africa, she detailed the immense pressure from management and the public’s escalating expectations that significantly impacted her mental health. Gyakie shared that the stress frequently brought her to tears, revealing, “If I am pressured or shouted at, I am going to grab a tissue and cry,” emphasizing her vulnerability to external pressures. The song “Forever,” which she released in August 2020 as part of her Seed EP, marked a transformative moment in her career, ushering her into the limelight and amplifying the demands placed upon her in the competitive music industry.
In her candid narration, Gyakie explained that the initial phase of her success was riddled with challenges, particularly as the public expected her to replicate the success of “Forever” with ease. This expectation weighed heavily on her, leading to frequent emotional breakdowns. “I would cry at home almost every three days because the pressure was too much,” she admitted, illustrating the mental strain she experienced. The immense popularity of her breakout hit created a paradox where her success simultaneously invited scrutiny and heightened demands, exacerbating her anxiety as she navigated the burgeoning spotlight of her career.
Despite the emotional toll, Gyakie has come to view the pressure she faced as a catalyst for personal growth and resilience. She reflected on the dual nature of expectations, noting that while they could be demotivating, they also propelled her to improve as an artist. “It’s good when it feels like motivation, but it’s different when it’s not coming from a good place,” she stated, highlighting the importance of constructive criticism versus detrimental feedback. As she matured in her career, Gyakie learned to differentiate between valuable insights and negative comments that were unfounded, allowing her to focus on her artistic vision without being hindered by naysayers.
The 24-year-old singer began her musical journey in 2019 with her debut single “Love is Pretty,” followed by “Never Like This.” These early works laid the groundwork for her eventual breakout but did not garner the same attention as “Forever.” Gyakie’s rise to fame underscores the intense scrutiny that many emerging artists face, particularly female musicians in genres dominated by men. The dichotomy between her public image as a successful artist and her private struggles with self-doubt illustrates the complexities of fame, revealing that behind the success story lies a narrative of resilience shaped by both triumph and adversity.
With time and experience, Gyakie has developed mechanisms to cope with the pressures of fame and the music industry. The emotional challenges she once faced have now transformed into a source of strength, enabling her to better handle criticism and maintain her mental well-being. “Negative criticisms that aren’t true used to get to me, but now, I’m able to brush them off. I just laugh and move on,” she mentioned, showcasing her growth in managing her mental health. This evolution is critical for artists who often find themselves battling the unrealistic expectations placed upon them by both fans and industry personnel.
Ultimately, Gyakie’s journey serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities embedded in the pursuit of a music career. As she continues to evolve as an artist, her candidness about her emotional struggles resonates with many who experience similar pressures in high-stakes environments. Her story exemplifies the importance of resilience, self-awareness, and the ability to differentiate between constructive feedback and detrimental criticism. As she moves forward in her career, Gyakie’s insights into her experiences serve not only as a testament to her strength but also as an inspiration for aspiring artists navigating the challenges of fame and creativity.
