Ghana: Wiyaala to receive Woman of the Decade Award

Women’s Choice Awards Africa is an initiative that recognises the efforts of women in their various fields. The scheme also advocates for women’s rights.

Wiyaala will be honoured along with eight other influential Ghanaian women for their impact in sectors such as film and media, entrepreneurship and education. Other honourees include Theresa Ayoade, the CEO of Charterhouse Ghana, which is responsible for organising the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, veteran broadcaster Doreen Andoh and renowned actress Grace Omaboe. 

"The Woman of the Decade honour means a lot to me because it recognises I have consistently stuck to the task of being 'Wiyaala'," she told Music In Africa. "'Wiyaala' stands for recognising the talent God has given you, believing in yourself and being diligent in positively using that gift to make people feel happy or better about themselves. I thank the Women’s Choice Awards for acknowledging my work."

Wiyaala hails from Funsi in the Upper West Region of Ghana. A two-time VGMA winner and three-time AFRIMA recipient, she began her solo career in 2013 and released her eponymous debut album a year later. Her second album Sissala Goddess was released in 2018. She is also a member of international female band GRRRL.

As an activist, she has partnered with UNICEF Ghana and Ghana’s Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection on campaigns against child marriage, child poverty, health and sanitation. Last month, she was named as a jury member of the Song Contest Against Child Labour, an initiative led by the European Union and the Ghana Employment and Social Protection programme.

"I don't really consider myself to be an activist," Wiyaala said. "However, it was at some point in my career that I realised I had become a role model. It was not something I set out to do. It rather happened by default because getting public attention brings expectations. But with that realisation, it gave me a vision of the person I wanted people to see, especially the young girls and boys who come from a similar background to mine.

"I faced all kinds of challenges, and still do, but the message remains the same: To all women in the creative arts, especially the young ones, use your talent wisely, stay focused on being your real self and only follow trends if you are comfortable with them. Don't just do it for the money or the fame. Do it because you love it and the positive effect it has on others."

Meanwhile, the Women’s Choice Awards Africa, which are organised by Global Ovations, are accepting public nominations for a number of categories, including Journalist of the Year, Most Promising Corporate Lady of the Year, Woman CEO of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year and Discovery of the Year. Musicians up for awards at this year’s event are singers eShun and Sefa.

Individuals can now vote for the favourite nominees by dialling *447*714# on all local networks or visiting the Women’s Choice Awards Africa official website. Voting ends on 30 September.