The Ghanaian music scene has been graced with lots of esteemed female singers who have left indelible marks with their mesmerising voices which yielded them hits and devoted fans.
While many of these women predominantly excelled in the gospel music genre, only a select few courageously, dared to defy the convention, venturing into secular music, including rap and highlife, which were largely male-dominated territories in the 2000s.
From the likes of Abrewa Nana, a female rapper known for her rap prowess, to Mzbel, who was recognized for her sultry songs and style, and the iconic Becca, to name a few, shared the limelight together, setting a high standard for female artistes in Ghana at the time.
However, as the years went by, the spotlight alternated back to their male counterparts, eclipsing the contributions of the female acts to the background once again. Just as a new star was needed to carry the mantle for the female musicians, a rare and radiant talent emerged in the form of Efya, a captivating songstress whose voice would mesmerize the industry forever.
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She captured the nation’s attention, with a song titled “Little Things” in 2011. The critics and naysayers swiftly swooped in to label her as a one-hit wonder, who would fade away into obscurity after a couple of songs. However, Efya proved them wrong with her 2012 hit “Best in Me,” a love-themed song that spread like unquenchable wildfire, engulfing every nook and cranny in Ghana, and searing her name in the minds of her doubters.
Like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, Efya’s legacy unfolded and began to take flight. She formed a potent music alliance with Sarkodie on multiple songs including “I Am in Love With You Now”, “Where Did I Go Wrong”, “Devil Inside Me”, “Sarkcess Story”, “Overload 1”, and “Saara”, complementing the songs with her infectious vocals and unforgettable choruses.
Born Jane Afia Awindor on April 10, 1987, in Kumasi, Ghana, to Nana Hemaa Adwoa Awindor, a filmmaker and the host of the popular 90s television show Greetings From Abroad, Efya’s love for music surfaced at the age of six. Motivated by her family’s encouragement, she joined the church choir to hone her vocal skills.
Efya’s artistic journey continued at Yaa Asantewaa Secondary School in Tanoso, where she regularly captivated audiences with her performances at school events. She then went on to pursue a degree in Theater Arts and Music at the University of Ghana. Drawing inspiration from her mother, who also taught at the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI), Efya expanded her creative horizons by exploring film production and juggling her passions for music and film.
Driven by her love for symphonies and harmonies, Efya, auditioned for Charterhouse’s Stars of the Future talent show in 2008. After rigorous weeks of performances, she emerged as the first runner-up, with Irene Logan crowned as the winner. The duo later came together to form a collective called Irene and Jane, they released the “Unveiled” before amicably parting ways in 2010 to pursue individual careers.
Efya rebranded herself, changing her stage name from Miss Jane to Efya, and released a 10-track mixtape called T.I.N.T (This Is Not the Album) in 2013. The mixtape was supported by singles like “Best In Me”, “Little Things”, “Sexy Sassy Wahala”, and “Get Away”, which were released between 2011 and 2013.”
Ushering her artistry into a new phase in 2016, Efya released her debut album titled Genesis, a clever play on her first name Jane, and the word Genesis. The album spawned hit singles including “Jorley”, “Forgetting Me” and “One of Your Own.” The “Janesis” album was subsequently followed by the four-track EP titled “No More Tears” released in 2023.
She has won the award for Best Female Vocalist of the Year in four sequences at the Ghana Music Awards, solidifying her status as one of the greatest vocal goddesses in Ghana.
Even though her music releases have become less frequent, Efya, the “Big Dragon,” as she currently refers to herself, has the power to ignite the music industry with her fiery and soul-stirring voice that can melt the coldest of hearts.
The Queen of Afro-soul and Neo-soul doubles as a humanitarian and an ambassador for Awal Children of the Future Foundation (ACOTF), a non-profit dedicated to supporting victims of trauma, including orphans and street children. Founded by the Tema-based producer Posigee, ACOTF aims to provide aid and resources to the needs.