Livin It Up — In Ghana
Akornefa is a Ghanaian-American singer-songwriter and she recently self-released a song called “Livin’ It Up.” The music and visuals celebrates black beauty, joy, and vitality with most of the footage from her incredible trip to Ghana in 2019, the unforgettable year of return. Below is our Q&A interview that details Akornefa’s music-related experiences.
ET: How would you describe, in your own words, your music?
AK: My music leans heavily on songwriting and melody, and the accompaniment is oftentimes secondary. I think good songs can transcend genre and can adapt to different settings. So while my songs usually have piano accompaniment, because that is my primary instrument, I also make music with Afrobeats, pop, and indie music influences.
ET: Where does the inspiration for your music and lyrics come from?
AK: My inspiration comes from my current emotional state or something I'm still processing. Writing songs, for me, is very meditative and I usually have no idea what's going to come out until I'm done and I realize the subject matter of this song was something I was grappling with. My subconscious is in complete control when I'm writing songs.
ET: Do you write your own music and who are some artists you collaborated with?
AK: Yes, I write my own music. I've collaborated with mainly Ghanaian artists and producers: like up-and-coming rapper Yung Gwuapo, and Ghanaian producers Zodivc and Streetbeatz. (I have linked to the song with Yung Gwuapo and Zodivc).
ET: Which artists would you like to Collaborate with?
AK: I would love to collaborate with Ghanaian producer Killbeatz, indie-pop songwriter Regina Spektor, and if I'm being really bold...Burna Boy!
ET: What was your experience like when you travel to Ghana ( The Year of Return)
It was filled with vitality. It's almost surreal looking back on it given where we now—stuck inside our homes and lacking human connection. There is so much about Ghana that frustrates me (the traffic is only the tip of the iceberg) but what wins me over every time is my family. I went for two weddings and getting to hug, joke with, share meals with, and dance with my family was the best part. Seeing Burna Boy during day 1 of Afronation was just the cherry on top.
ET: What is unique and special about Ghana and its people?
AK: No one embodies rhythm and musicality like Ghanaians do. So much about what makes us inherently free is being able to move our bodies energetically, subtly, erotically, joyfully...and to music that reflects those states of being. And then when you take that free movement and apply it to food, family, transportation, governing and relationships, to me, that's what humanity looks like. And I think Ghanaians have perfected that freedom of movement. It is kind, powerful and so joyful. Sometimes it gets covered up, and more and more lately, when ideas of white supremacy, dangerous tribalism, and the traumatic effects of colonization threaten to seep into our consciousness, but at its core, that freedom of movement is what makes Ghanaians so special.
ET: Which projects are you presently working on and where can we learn more?
AK: I am working on releasing more music that reflects all the things I am grappling with as a woman living in the intersection of so many identities. I also have a YouTube cooking and music channel where I discuss many diverse topics. Keep an eye on my Instagram and YouTube channel to learn more!