Gyakie Shares Emotional Struggles and the Pressure She Faced in the Early Stages of Her Career

Ghanaian Afrobeat star, Gyakie (Jackline Acheampong), has shared her emotional journey during the early stages of her career, revealing the immense pressure she faced in a recent interview with DJ Edu on BBC Africa.

The “Forever” hitmaker opened up about how the weight of expectations, particularly after her breakthrough song, took a toll on her mental and emotional health. She admitted that the pressure to deliver hit after hit often left her in tears, and her management’s drive for success added to the stress.

“If I am pressured or shouted at, I am going to grab a tissue and cry. So, I don’t like to be pressured or shouted at. At the beginning of my career, I would cry at home almost every three days because the pressure was too much,” Gyakie revealed. The immense expectations to replicate the success of “Forever” only added to the emotional strain.

Beyond the pressure from her team, the criticism she faced from the public also had an impact. Gyakie acknowledged the toughening effects of negative comments, admitting that while constructive criticism can serve as motivation, harsh words from critics often took a toll on her. “It’s good when it feels like motivation, but it’s different when it’s not coming from a good place,” she said, sharing how it took time to learn not to let such comments affect her.

Today, Gyakie has developed the resilience to handle negativity with a new perspective, stating, “Now, I could see anything about me, and if I know the person is speaking untruths, I would just laugh it off.”

Her reflection offers a candid look into the emotional challenges artists face as they navigate the pressures of fame and success. Despite these struggles, Gyakie believes these experiences have helped her build the resilience needed to thrive in the competitive music industry.