Nigeria not part of my development strategy for Wiyaala – Manager

In the midst of assertions by some people that Ghanaian artistes are not popular in Nigeria which they consider as a challenge and huge embarrassment, manager of Wiyaala, John Sherren has stated categorically that he has never considered Nigeria in developing strategies for his artiste.

Commenting on a Facebook post by Chief Executive Officer of EoD Partners, Kelly Nii Lartey Mensah, Sherren mentioned that despite the collaborations Ghanaian artistes have had with Nigerian acts, it has not given acts from Ghana any mileage in Nigeria.

“Nigeria has never been part of my development strategy for my artiste. I’ve seen a lot of Ghanaian artistes, male and female feature Nigerian artistes, but little evidence that it has helped them get traction in Nigeria,” he noted.



Wiyaala is by far one of the best musicians in Ghana. Often referred to as the ‘Young Lioness of Africa’, Wiyaala rose to fame after emerging as the second runner-up in the 2011 Stars of the Future talent show and won the 2012 Vodafone Icons reality show as part of the group ‘Black n Peach’. She left the Black N Peach band in April 2013 to pursue a solo career with Djimba World Records.

The Afro pop diva won two awards at the maiden edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) held in Lagos, Nigeria. She received two 23.9-carat gold-plated trophies for The Most Promising Artiste in Africa and The Revelation of the African Continent.

Described by many as an eclectic performer, Wiyaala has performed at prestigious events including Miss Ghana 2015, 90th birthday celebration of Queen Elizabeth II held in Accra, WOMAD UK 2016, Shambala Festival, Festival No6, Freedom Festival, Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club, Voices of The Revolution UK Tour, and on BBC’s Radio3.

Wiyaala will on Friday October 21, 2016 share her story on Voice of America and is expected to touch on her upcoming musical collaboration with South African music legend, Yvonne Chaka Chaka as well as her relationship with Angelique Kidjo.