Ghanaian singer Gyakie says the stage, once her happiest place, now feels like a courtroom where every move is under harsh scrutiny from online critics.
Speaking in an interview with Nigerian outlet The Guardian, she admitted that although she still loves recording and performing, social media trolling has changed how artistes experience live shows.
“I mostly enjoy making music in the studio, but I also enjoy stage performances. My only problem with the stage is that with how everyone comes online to troll artistes, it’s made the stage feel like a courtroom. One has to be extra mindful of their conduct, because some troll is probably making a creepy video of you to use against you online. If I take that out, it’s always fun for me to be on stage,” she said.
Gyakie described the pressure of knowing that even a minor slip could be exaggerated online, yet she maintained that live performances still bring her joy whenever she blocks out the negativity.
Reflecting on a recent highlight, the “Songbird” shared how deeply touched she was by fans during her December 2024 concert in Sierra Leone.
“I went to perform in Sierra Leone last December, and the reception was so amazing. I didn’t expect that they would sing most of my catalogue word for word. Every single day was full of genuine love,” Gyakie recalled.
