Top Ghanaian songs of 2022

As was the case last year, and the year before, new voices are dominating the scene – bold and unhinged, and powering their way to the top with radical sonic fusions.

Music In Africa presents a dynamic playlist of the Ghanaian songs that made big splashes this year.

‘Down Flat’ by Kelvyn Boy

Co-conspired with Nigerian music producer Kulboy, ‘Down Flat’ is up to here in hopeless love and harnesses the nostalgic and understated pleasures of highlife.

‘Sugarcane (Remix)’ by Camidoh ft. King Promise, Mayorkun and Darkoo

Even if he has enjoyed appreciable celebrity locally over the years, this Camidoh song deepened its author’s impact. ‘Sugarcane (Remix)’, which likens a lover’s affection to the delicious perennial grass, adds to an inexhaustible list of Ghana-Naija collaborations, swiftly catching the ear of the world and sending Camidoh on the road for months on end.

‘Kwaku the Traveller’ by Black Sherif

Black Sherif, the country’s biggest breakout star of 2021, has also become the most dominant Ghanaian artist of the past year, particularly propped by the viral ‘Kwaku the Traveller’, a compelling tale of failure, fear and fight.

‘Friday Night’ by Lasmid

Every artist points to one song in their catalogue signalling their true international launch. ‘Friday Night’, which boasts an unlikely party bounce and comedic impetus, while soundtracking nocturnal social situations, is Lasmid’s.

‘Champagne’ by KiDi

KiDi is no stranger to the first rank of Ghanaian pop practitioners. ‘Champagne’, the festive jam taken from the musician’s 4Play EP, is merely the artist keeping in the hitmaking practice. 

‘Survivor’ by Wendy Shay

In an industry heavily dominated by men, the award-winning Wendy Shay boasts singular courage that guarantees women a seat at the table. ‘Survivor’ finds her at her fearless best, transmuting stories of despair into bold, euphoric pop anthems.

‘Goldigga’ by Samsney ft. Black Sherif

On this highlife-inspired drill track, producer Samsney recruits Black Sherif for a witty story of greedy in-laws who often stand in the way of young love.

‘Waye Me Yie’ by Piesie Esther

Gospel singer Piesie Esther rose to fame via a powerful voice and rich messaging. ‘Waye Me Yie’ is a tear-jerking testimony of God’s goodness in her life. Little wonder, then, that the record resonates with so many Ghanaians. 

‘On God’ by Shatta Wale

Call him ‘the problem child of Ghana music’ for perpetually embroiling himself in controversy, but dancehall singer Shatta Wale will always rear his head wherever top Ghanaian songs are discussed these days. This year, ‘On God’, which reiterates his resilience in the face of adversity, is his submission. 

‘Thank You’ by Fameye

With his new album Songs of Peter, Fameye speaks of a spiritual awakening that has shifted his desire from chasing fame to serving as apostle. ‘Thank You’ is a neo-gospel tune offering praises to God for daily blessings. 

‘Take Away’ by Kuami Eugene

On this energetic joint, versatile pop singer and producer Kuami Eugene offers a clever take on the place of money to the enjoyment question (and courting the fairer sex). 

‘Asuoden’ by Sista Afia ft. Kuami Eugene

EMPIRE signee Kuami Eugene joins pop diva Sista Afia on ‘Asuoden’, which translates from Twi as ‘headstrong’ and celebrates hard work and determination.

‘Something’ by Gyakie

There is something about highlife scion Gyakie’s ‘Something’, the widely popular focus track of her 2022 EP My Diary. It’s neither in its lyrics (for the singer has rendered deeper words), nor is it in the rhythm (Afropop is inundated with similar melodic progressions), but there’s something that makes this track irresistible.