Gyakie named Sade as her dream collaborator during an interview on Joy Prime’s Changes show this week. When asked about the artist she would most like to work with, the Ghanaian singer said: “Sade. I’ve gone to the end of the tunnel literally.”
Jackline Acheampong, known professionally as Gyakie, explained her choice by pointing to the shared focus on love in their music. “Her lyrics, and you know her most of her songs are love songs that’s what draws me closer to her sound, lyrics, tone. I see my sound in her sound as well and I think we’ll really sound good if it ever happens,” she told host Nikki Samonas.
Helen Folasade Adu, who performs under the name Sade, is a Nigerian-British singer-songwriter with a career spanning several decades. She has sold millions of records worldwide and is known for tracks such as "Smooth Operator," "Your Love Is King," and "By Your Side." Sade’s influence on contemporary music is widely recognised, particularly for her smooth vocal delivery and emotive songwriting centred on themes of love and relationships.
Gyakie, sometimes called the Songbird, has steadily built her profile in the Afro-fusion and R&B scene since releasing her debut single, "Love Is Pretty," in 2019. She followed this with "Never Like This," then gained wider attention in 2020 when her song "Forever," from her five-track EP Seed, topped charts in Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria.
Her new single, "Your Body," released in October 2026, has already attracted significant public attention just days after its debut. The song continues her exploration of romantic themes, which she identifies as a common thread linking her sound to that of Sade.
Gyakie’s desire to collaborate with Sade reflects a broader trend among African artists seeking partnerships beyond the continent. While Gyakie has worked with regional stars like KiDi and M.anifest in the past, she singled out Sade for her lyrical focus and vocal tone, qualities she feels mirror her own artistic identity.
This week’s interview did not reveal whether any steps have been taken toward making the collaboration happen. Gyakie’s comments suggest a long-held admiration rather than a current project in development.
Sade has been relatively quiet in recent years, with her last studio album released in 2010. She occasionally performs live but has not announced new music since then. If a collaboration with Gyakie were to materialise, it would be the first foray into contemporary African music for the British singer-songwriter.
Gyakie’s recognition of Sade’s influence hints at how global music flows continue to shape artists’ ambitions. The shared emphasis on love songs connects two generations across continents, offering potential for an unusual pairing that could attract attention from diverse audiences.
For now, Gyakie’s statement remains an expression of aspiration, capturing the blend of respect and creative kinship she feels toward Sade.
According to Joy Online.
