Jackline “Gyakie” Acheampong has spent the last few years contributing to Ghana’s Soul and R&B scene, evolving from her debut in 2019 to a breakout hit in 2020 with “Forever.” The record introduced her to audiences across various regions and established her as an artist to watch. As the daughter of legendary Ghanaian Highlife musician Nana Acheampong, she has clearly carved out her own path, making her one of Ghana’s most distinct female artists.

Her EPs Seed and My Diary further propelled her career and added depth to her discography. Now, she returns with After Midnight, her 17-track debut album — a well-crafted blend of standout collaborations, rich vocals, layered harmonies, and overall cohesiveness. The project builds on the musical identity she established in her earlier releases, but this time, she expands her sound beyond R&B and Soul, leaning more into Afrobeats and Pop.

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After Midnight opens with “Intro,” a record that is both cinematic and ethereal, drawing listeners into Gyakie’s latest body of work. The accompanying video shows a young her being serenaded by her headphones as traditional female singers perform around her bed. She later emerges as her present self — almost like a butterfly completing metamorphosis. This transition is symbolic, marking the beginning of a new era where she is more self-aware and confident in her sound. With this opening track, she sets the tone for the album and builds anticipation for what follows.

The Afro-R&B track “Fire on the Mountain” comes next. Here, the “Forever” singer addresses a lover whose words are not backed by actions. The mid-tempo production complements her vocals, allowing her to convey emotion clearly and making the lyrics easy for listeners to absorb. However, despite its polish, the song doesn’t leave a lasting impact.

On “Damn You,” Gyakie is joined by American artist 6LACK, and together they deliver a melodic heartbreak record. The minimal production provides a soft foundation for both artists to express their frustration with a selfish lover who constantly leaves them questioning the relationship. Against gentle guitar strings, Gyakie’s vocals carry a heavy vulnerability as she sings, *“*Would you watch us fail? Or would you watch me burn?”

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With a thumping bassline, Gyakie’s commanding delivery, and Shatta Wale’s undeniable energy, the next track, “Harmattan,” stands out as one of the strongest on the album. Unlike in previous songs where uncertainty lingers, here she exudes unmistakable self-assurance, confidently taking control of her emotions. Wale doesn’t hold back either — he rises to the occasion, matching her intensity. On this Dancehall-influenced track, both artists deliver memorable performances, making it a true standout collaboration on After Midnight.

“Y2K Luv” opens with a sample of Nana Acheampong’s classic record “Nanka Ebeye Den,” before transitioning into a Y2K-inspired RnB production, making the song’s title perfectly fitting. On this track, Gyakie flaunts a new relationship free of fake emotions. Her collaboration with Ghanaian artist Omar Sterling reinforces her message, resulting in an enjoyable and refreshing love song.

Originally released earlier this year, “Sankofa” remains a heartwarming listen thanks to Gyakie’s delivery, which is both soft and direct. It elevates the track beyond the typical love song, infusing it with the quiet confidence of an artist fully in control of her voice. Once again, the mid-tempo production gives her vocals space to shine.

“After Midnight (Interlude)” shifts the album’s energy into a dreamlike, lullaby-like setting, with Gyakie repeatedly singing “Oh baby, I love you” over soft piano keys. The interlude fits seamlessly into the album, capturing the essence of its title and the late-night atmosphere she aims to create. On the following track, “I’m Not Taken,” she remains firmly in her confident lover-girl era, making it clear that she’s open to commitment. She sings, “Until you ask me out. Until you want this now, baby I'm not taken.” British rapper Headie One joins her on the track, though his contribution feels forgettable. The song’s strong production and Gyakie’s memorable performance make it one of the standout records on the album.

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After Midnight then detours into “No One,” a motivational track. Gyakie’s melodies and harmonies soar on the chorus as she encourages listeners to embrace their authenticity: “Even if you're sidelined, even if no one says you're better at it — do you.” On the Afropop track “Breaking News,” the energy shifts as listeners are drawn to the dance floor. However, the song feels more like an album filler — a longer or more developed version might have elevated it.

If “Breaking News” hinted at a shift in tempo, then “House Party” fully embraces the album’s party-ready section. With help from Nigerian artist Young Jonn — known for crafting some of Afrobeats’ biggest dance hits — the track highlights Gyakie’s versatility. Together, they navigate the pop-driven sound with ease, adding another memorable moment to the project.

The uptempo energy continues with “Unconditional,” a pop-infused Amapiano track where she longs for her lover’s affection. Throughout the 17-track album, her desire for love remains a recurring theme — a sentiment that resurfaces on “Story.” On the track, she makes tender promises to her partner, adding emotional depth to the album’s romantic core.

On “Want It,” she transforms into a sultry seductress. Throughout the album, her ability to adapt her vocals to match the persona she embodies is impressive — and on this track, she does so effortlessly. From the whispery vocals and rich harmonies to the soulful production and sensual lyrics, “Want It” stands out as a bold addition to After Midnight. The next track, “Party Galore,” picks up right where the previous record leaves off. This time, the mood becomes even more intimate, with Kojey Radical joining Gyakie to deliver a punchy, well-placed verse.

“Is It Worth It?” finds Gyakie in a more introspective state as she reflects on her life choices and questions whether simply living is worth it. As an artist navigating fame, it's clear that every decision comes with the weight of public scrutiny and career implications. With this record, she opens up about her mental space and invites listeners into her inner world.

She continues this self-reflection on “Halleluyah,” but with a shift in tone. While acknowledging her achievements, she also seeks to motivate others, reminding both herself and her listeners of their inner strength. Her vocals are as assured as her lyrics, making the track feel authentic and powerful. It serves as a beautiful closing to an album rooted in self-assuredness and conviction.

After Midnight is an impressive debut album that showcases Gyakie’s confidence in making music on her own terms. It marks a new era, presenting an artist who has taken control of her narrative and isn’t afraid to be vulnerable. The album is also strikingly cohesive. Thematically, the songs explore yearning, heartbreak, love, and self-reflection, creating an emotionally engaging and easy listening experience. Sonically, it offers a well-arranged blend of genres that feel natural and allow both Gyakie and her featured collaborators to shine.

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Perhaps the true star of the show lies in her vocals and harmonies. Her ability to convey vulnerability while maintaining the energy on upbeat tracks like “House Party” and “Want It” demonstrates remarkable versatility and keeps the momentum flowing throughout the project.

All of this comes together to create an album that is both cohesive and enjoyable. However, for a 17-track project, greater diversity in songwriting and production would have elevated the album even further. Additionally, trimming a few songs might have reduced some of the album’s more noticeable inconsistencies.