Wiyaala, nicknamed “the Lioness of Africa,” is a reputable Afro-folk/pop singer, songwriter, humanitarian, and actress originally from Funsi, in the Upper West Region of Ghana. It is without a doubt that she has a unique voice, strong culture, and love for her roots that resonates not only in her home country but around the world. Wiyaala was once part of the band Black N Peach, which won the Vodafone Icons Mixed edition in 2012. Wiyaala has made a name for herself not only as a musician who performs but also as one who sings in English and her native languages, Sissala and Waala. Wiyaala has songs like “Yaga Yaga” and “Rock My Body”—featuring Jupitar—to help show unique world ethnic sound and culture.
Wiyaala—Quick Facts
* Full Name: Noella Wiyaala
* Date of Birth: 22nd December, 1986
* Age: 37 years
* Profession: Singer, Songwriter, Actress
* Musical Style: Afropop
* Nationality: Ghanaian
* Hometown: Funsi, Upper West Region, Ghana
* Ethnic Group: Sissala
* Social Media
o IG: @wiyaalaÂ
o FB: WiyaalaÂ
o Tw: @wiyaalaÂ
Wiyaala’s Early Years
Wiyaala was born on December 22, 1986, in Wa, Northern Ghana. She was raised in both Funsi and Tumu, and she was the second of four children. She was lucky to grow up in an area of rich culture that would help give her creativity and arts a boost. Wiyaala has a mixed family background. She has three biological sisters and many from her father’s other marriage as stepsisters and brothers.
Education
Wiyaala started her education at the Ahmadiyya School in Tumu and followed that through her education to the Children of Mary School in Funsi. She was educated at Kanton Senior High School, taking Visual Arts. She then followed up at Takoradi Technical University, formerly Takoradi Polytechnic, for tertiary education, as she has a desire to grow her knowledge base.
Personal Life
In 2014, Wiyaala married John Sherren, who is also a manager. Their intertwined personal and professional lives facilitate their collaboration and mutual support.
Music Career
Wiyaala’s musical journey began at the age of five, singing in her local church, which her mother was a part of, as a chorister. She performed for her family and friends by singing songs by Celine Dion. Singing was where it all began, and by the time she had finished her teenage years, she was taking part in running, dancing, and singing at Kanton Senior High School and even adopted Wiyaala as her stage name.
She released her first album titled “Tuma” (meaning “Work”) in 2009 in Northern Ghana. Once she sought exposure beyond Northern Ghana, she moved her base of operations to Accra and entered herself into many music reality shows. Her turning point came in 2012 when she formed a group called Black N Peach, and they won the Vodafone Ghana Icons Mixed edition. She then, following her success as part of the group, embarked on a solo career with singles like “Make Me Dance” and “Rock My Body” and became more widely known for her music.
In 2014, Wiyaala’s talent impressed BBC’s Rita Ray, who gave her considerable awards and recognition, including two awards for the All Africa Music Awards. Her future albums, “Wiyaala” (2014) and “Sissala Goddess” (2018), have firmly established her identity as a global artist, performing at all of Europe’s high-profile events.
Record Label
Wiyaala is a member of Djimba World Records and JTV Digital, and she has continued to produce fresh music that resonates with audiences everywhere.
Discography:
* Albums:
* Tuma (2009)
* Wiyaala (2014)
* Sissala Goddess (2018)
* Key Songs:
* “Rock My Body”
* “Yaga Yaga”
* “The Sun God”
* “Money and Fame”
* “Go Go Blackstars”
Awards
Wiyaala has a long list of accolades in recognition of her work in music and culture, including:
* Revelation of 2014 – GH One TV Showbiz Honours
* Best Female Vocal Performance – Vodafone Ghana Music Awards 2015
* Artist of the Year – Ghana Arts & Culture Awards 2019
* Woman of the Decade – Women’s Choice Awards 2020 (Started by a woman in 2020)
* Honorary Award – Upper West Music Awards 2022
Philanthropy
Wiyaala shows a keen interest in giving back to her community beyond her musical dapplomacy projects. Through the use of her musical arts and dimension, she developed an Arts and Culture Centre in Funsi to inspire young people. She has been actively involved in school donations to schools, donating powerful schoolbooks to students with no means of access to any school resources.
Lifestyle
Wiyaala seems to have remained humble despite her great success. She purchased a house in Funsi, and she has shown off a little bit of her wealth by showing a Bentley on social media in 2018. She has a fresh net worth of around $3 million, but she also claimed she lived simply.
FAQs About Wiyaala
* Where is Noella Wiyaala from?
From Funsi, in the Upper West Region of Ghana.
* Did Wiyaala go to KNUST?
No.
* Who sings the song “We Are Going”?
It was originally sung by the Osibisa Band, and subsequently Wiyaala has done her version of the song.
* Is Wiyaala Ghanaian?
Yes.
* What tribe is Wiyaala?
Sissala.
* Age Of Wiyaala?
37 years old.
* From Which Country is Wiyaala?
Ghana.
Final thought
Wiyaala continues to inspire many people through her music, her dedication to her community, and her journey as a pioneer in the African music landscape. Her journey affirms the idea of pursuing one’s passions and maintaining resilience and cultural pride.
