Wiyaala

Wiyaala, also known as Noella Wiyaala, is a singer and songwriter from Ghana. She comes from the Upper West region and performs in Sissala, her tribal language, as well as in English. Her name means “the doer” in Sissala, which reflects the direct, determined approach she is known for.

Background and artistic identity

Wiyaala begins performing as a child in Tamele, Ghana, where she stages a street performance outside a local bar. The crowd responds well, and she tells her mother that she will become a singer and earn money from it. She goes on to build a public image that combines music with design, acting, modelling, athletics and cultural advocacy. She is also known for supporting women’s rights and for a distinctive androgynous appearance.

At school, she is called “man-woman” by other boys, though she is also the one who leads boys and girls into the bushes for wild hunts. Her image and work are often presented as an expression of modern Africa.

Career

While at college, Wiyaala auditions for Ghana’s Stars of the Future in 2011 and reaches the final. She wins two Golden Moments awards in the competition. She later competes in the Vodafone Icons Mixed Edition music reality show, where she takes first place with her group Black n Peach.

She is also linked to the IGNITE! Ghana project, a cultural education initiative that promotes traditional Ghanaian music and dance in schools.

Repertoire and language

Wiyaala sings in both Sissala and English. Her work is associated with pop, dance, Afro-pop and world music.