Wiyaala did not just amaze Africa with her fierce ball winning and tackling abilities during her time at the Upper West Girls team, she is now back dazzling the world with her singing prowess.
‘The Young lioness of Africa’ from Wa, otherwise known as Wiyaala, blends the use of tribal drums, big stadium choruses, three Ghanaian languages and English.
The tribal drums can be clearly heard as the song starts. It creates an ambience of excitement as Wiyaala readies herself and her crowd for the excitement that is to come. Wa must have learnt this from K’Naan whose song ‘Waving Flag’ was used as a 2010 World Cup club banger. Wa doesn’t disappoint as the words “GO, GO, GO” start a beautiful exploration of music.
Her use of the words “It’s time to show the world again what we’ve got’’ doesn’t just relate to Ghananians alone, the whole of Africa is immersed into this strong sentiment drawing to Ghana’s heroics at the 2010 World Cup. Still in a mourning or healing stage after the Gyan penalty miss?, the hope it offers an escape route in the shape of music.
Whether in your car stereo, the stadium speakers or your home theatre- this song will get you rocking as you wait for the World Cup.
At 1.18 minutes - for a preview track - it’s a little brief especially for those who would love to interact more with Wiyaala’s voice and message, for a pre-match chant though: Wave your flag, press play and enjoy as the players exchange pleasantries before kick-off.
Below is the preview track of Wiyaala’s World Cup anthem for Ghana’s national team:
About Wiyaala (taken from the song’s press release): Wiyaala, “The Young Lioness of Africa,” is an Afro-Pop sing-er/songwriter, artist, actress, and ambassador of African culture from Funsi, Upper West Ghana. Noella Wiyaala (full name) infuses the giant pop sounds of David Foster with the modern funk and flair of Janelle Monae.
She won two Golden Moments awards at the 2011 edition of “Stars of the Future,” and later became a winner of Vodafone Icons Mixed Edition. Wiyaala is also known for standing up for women’s rights, having a very distinctive androgynous image herself.
Review written by John Aggrey, whom you can follow on Twitter @Superjohna07.
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