Ghanaian musician, Wiyaala popularly known as Lioness of Africa, is currently lighting up stages across Europe, alongside her powerhouse band, The Yaga Yagas.
Raised in Funsi, in Ghana’s Upper West Region, Wiyaala fuses Afro-pop, rock and West African folk, singing in Sissala, Waala and English. Her shows are more than concerts – they’re experiences. As she says, her mission is to “make them laugh, make them cry, and then make them rock.”
With her commanding voice, vibrant dance, and infectious charisma, Wiyaala has set several stages agog – from WOMAD UK and Summerfest New York to Commonwealth Games in Australia.
“Feisty is not the word – she is a powerhouse in the mode of a young Angelique Kidjo, effervescent and funny, she rocked the crowd and got a great reception,” Irish Times’ Nigel Wood declared at Womad UK.
Offstage, Wiyaala is a committed advocate for children’s rights and education. Back home in Funsi, she’s built The Lioness Kingdom – a cultural hub featuring the Wiyaala Arts Centre, a community radio station and a guesthouse. It’s no wonder the BBC has praised her songs for their “messages of empowerment and resilience.”