Looking to discover the voices rocking Northern Ghana? Check out these 10 musicians putting the region on the global map.
Ghana’s music scene is bursting with talent across a wide range of genres. However, for years, the spotlight has largely shone on the southern part of the country, with artists from cities like Accra, Tema, Sekondi-Takoradi, and more recently Kumasi, dominating the mainstream. As a result, artists from the upper regions have often been in the minority on top Ghanaian musician lists.
Yet, Northern Ghana’s rich musical heritage has always been a vital part of the nation’s diverse soundscape. Over time, many talented artists from the north have emerged, skillfully blending traditional rhythms with contemporary genres, creating music that resonates far beyond regional borders.
Here are 10 musicians who are proudly carrying the sound of Northern Ghana to the world.
1. Rocky Dawuni
A multiple Grammy-nominated reggae icon, Rocky Dawuni’s ‘Afro Roots’ sound fuses reggae, Afrobeats, highlife, and soul. Hailing from Bunbon in Ghana’s Northern Region, he proudly showcases his roots, even shooting his Beautiful People music video in his home village. As both a musician and activist, Rocky continues to elevate his roots on the global stage while living between Ghana and the U.S.
2. Wiyaala
Known as The Lioness of Africa, Wiyaala is one of Ghana’s most electrifying performers. Born in Wa, Upper West Ghana, she sings in Sissala, Waala, and English, creating a truly unique sound. Her breakout hit Rock My Body won two All Africa Music Awards, marking her as a force to be reckoned with. With her fierce stage presence and genre-defying music, Wiyaala proudly represents Ghana’s rich cultural identity.
3. Fancy Gadam
Hailing from Tamale, Fancy Gadam has built a dedicated fanbase through his high-energy blend of Afropop, dancehall, and reggae. His massive annual concert in Tamale is one of the biggest musical events in Ghana, proving his star power. He won Best New Artist at the Ghana Music Awards in 2017 and Best Afrobeat Entertainer at the International Reggae and World Music Awards in 2020, cementing his status as a Ghanaian music heavyweight.
4. Maccasio
Hailing from the Kingdom of Dagbon, Maccasio is a major voice of his region’s Hip-hop movement. A fierce rival of Fancy Gadam, Maccasio has made a name for himself with his hard-hitting hip-hop, hiplife, and Afropop tracks. Rapping in Dagbani with seamless English and Twi influences, he’s performed on some of Ghana’s biggest stages.
5. Sherifa Gunu
Born into a royal family in Dagbon, Sherifa Gunu is a powerhouse of soul music with deep roots in her home region. Starting as a dancer, she rose to fame in national competitions before shifting to music. Her 2017 album Salamatu highlights the beauty of African names and culture. With her captivating stage performances and powerful voice, she continues to be a leading ambassador of Dagbon’s musical traditions.
6. King Ayisoba
Known for his raw, traditional style, King Ayisoba is a kologo master who has taken Ghana’s indigenous music to global stages. His breakout hit I Want To See You My Father remains an anthem, and his collaborations with international artists have introduced his distinctive sound to the world. His music serves as a bridge between the old and the new, keeping his home region’s traditional sounds alive.
7. Atongo Zimba
A veteran in the Ghanaian music scene, Atongo Zimba is a griot and kologo player who has toured the world, bringing the sounds of Ghana to audiences far and wide. His hit No Beer in Heaven became a global sensation, blending traditional rhythms with a playful yet profound message. Though he now resides in the Netherlands, he remains deeply connected to his roots, frequently returning to Ghana to perform.
8. Teflon Flexx
As the first musician to commercially rap in Buli, Teflon Flexx has carved out a unique space in Ghana’s music scene. Known as The Northern Badboy, he brings a modern twist to Northern Ghanaian music with his fusion of hip-hop and Afropop. His versatility and charisma have made him one of the most exciting new voices from the region.
9. Kawastone
As one half of the pioneering hiplife duo Blackstone, Kawastone was among the first artists from Northern Ghana to achieve national recognition. The duo’s debut album Fe Ma No became a massive hit in the early 2000s, propelling them to mainstream success. Recently, the classic was remade by fast-rising artist Offei, with Nigerian superstar Patoranking, and featuring Kawastone himself. Today, Kawastone remains a prominent figure in Northern Ghana’s entertainment scene, also making waves as a radio and TV personality.
10. Soorebia
Blending Frafra with English, Soorebia is a rising star on the Ghanaian Afrobeats and Hip-hop scenes. His storytelling approach and unique lyrical style set him apart, making him a fresh voice from the north. As he continues to build his brand, Soorebia is proof that Northern Ghana’s music scene is as diverse as it is vibrant
