Over the past few years, Ghana’s music scene has seen a dynamic shift toward genre-blending, richly textured soundscapes—and at the centre of this movement is Kkeda, the Ghanaian–British Afro‑fusion sensation. Born in London to Jamaican–heritage parents and raised partly in Ghana, she discovered her musical voice through stunning releases like Temper, Blue Jeans, and Hopeless Place, earning her a nomination in 2022 for “UK‑Based Uncovered Artist of the Year” at the Ghana Music Awards UK
In this candid conversation with Kkeda for Amplify Ghana, she opens up about her journey navigating hiatuses since 2020, what success means to her beyond fame, how she balances evolution with maintaining her core sound and her new single ‘Love Away.’
As she reemerges with renewed clarity and purpose, this feature takes you into the heart of her artistic vision—where honesty, consistency, and creative integrity stand at the forefront of everything she creates.
First of all, how do we pronounce your name correctly?
It’s pronounced K-ee-d-ah
As an artist, how would you define success?
For me, success as an artist isn’t really about being the biggest name out there. It’s about making work that feels honest and knowing it connects with people in a real way in real timing with the best team. That understand my vision. So we can all win. With consistency. And a career.
You’ve taken year-long hiatuses since 2020—can you tell us more about these breaks?
Since 2020, the breaks weren’t really planned they just happened. Part of it was life, part of it was me trying to find the right people who really get me and what I’m trying to build. I’ve had moments of doubt too, which is normal when you care about your craft. But every time I stepped back, it helped me come back clearer.
You have an amazing voice, and your blend of Afrofusion, R&B, and Pop has created a signature sound for you. Do you think artists should constantly evolve with new sounds, or should they focus on perfecting their niche?
Honestly, I feel like it’s a mix. You need to have your sound, that thing that makes people go ‘yeah, that’s definitely “Kkeda”’but at the same time,we grow. And when you grow, your sound changes too, naturally and authentically. I don’t believe in forcing growth or evolution, but I also don’t believe in staying stuck just because something worked once. So, I just go with what feels real at the time. As long as the core of it still feels like me, I’m great!
Tell us about Love Away—what inspired the song?
‘Love Away’ was inspired by that feeling of giving love and not getting it back the same way. I was in a space where I felt drained, and the song just came out of that.
If you weren’t performing as an artist but were solely a songwriter, which artist do you think would deliver Love Away best?
Definitely Ayra Starr. That’s my girl she’d body it for sure. She has that softness but still sounds strong, and that’s the exact energy ‘Love Away’ carries. But also, Simi. She has that pure, emotional tone and melody that would carry the song beautifully.
Which artists would you say have influenced your sound and journey as an artist?
This question always catches me off guard because I pull inspiration from so many artists depending on my mood. Sometimes it’s Simi, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Jhene Aiko, and Tiwa Savage too. Tiwa’s energy and vibe really inspires me, especially how she blends Afrobeat with R&B. They all bring out different parts of my sound. I’m just learning to trust my own flavor and bring all that into the mix too.
Your parents are of Jamaican descent, and you’ve spent significant time in both the UK and Ghana. How does culture shape your music?
Honestly, it’s kind of confusing moving between Ghana, the UK, and having Jamaican roots like that, but I’m grateful for it. It’s really about finding the right balance. All those cultures mix inside me and my music, giving me a perspective and sound I wouldn’t have if I’d grown up in just one place.
On Love Away, is there a particular lyric that was inspired by a memorable moment?
Yeah, the line ‘Baby, we have to just stop this’ came from a moment when I realized things weren’t working, no matter how much love I gave. It was that point where I had to be real with myself and say, ‘this isn’t healthy anymore.’
How does it feel to reintroduce your artistry to the world after nearly a year away?
It’s not really a reintroduction, more like a reinvention a new version of me that I hope people will vibe with and accept. I’ve grown, changed, and I’m bringing all of that energy into my music now. A more confident and consistent Kkeda.
What message do you hope your music conveys to the African diaspora and the global audience at large?
I want my music to talk about what people in the African diaspora really go through the struggles, the love, the dreams, and even the fantasies. It’s about everything we feel and experience, the real and the hopeful. I want people to listen, relate, and feel like they’re understood.
Before you disappear on us again for another year—should we be expecting an album soon?
I never really disappeared—life just happened. But good things were happening behind the scenes, and now I’m ready to show it.
Finally, what’s next for you as an artist?
Honestly, expect the unexpected but at the same time, I’ve been doing this for a while, so maybe it’s kind of expected by now. I’m just gonna keep doing me and letting the music speak for itself.
Interviewed by Kwaw Blay Apprey
