With the combination of her musical background and influences, it comes as no surprise that, as a singer and unapologetic misfit, Y’akoto is always ready to challenge herself in new genres, and she has done it again this time! Following the release of the sultry single Secret, her first release after relocating to Ghana, the songstress is back with a new single. In collaboration with Grammy-nominated producer Nabeyin, based in LA, WMYT is a song based on Y’akoto’s past.
Y’akoto explains that WMYT is “a true story of me taking off in the middle of the night, leaving my ex in the dust, realising that I will never let another living human humiliate me again”. Sometimes running away is the best solution, and Y’akoto muses about this as she tries to understand those who stay in such heartbreaking situations. Bearing the responsibility of an influential voice, she aims to become a fighter for such women, using her point of view as a female and a black one at that.
After returning to Ghana as an adult, Y’akoto finds inspiration and solace in going to clubs and listening to the music that underground DJs are playing. The liveliness and eccentricity of the country resonated strongly with her spirit at those moments. “I always felt connected with my roots, and to be an artist to me means expansion. In Ghana, I love the culture, the language, and the pace of the capital,” she says.
Described as a sleek, futuristic take on Afrobeats with pop roots, WMYT is a song that seeks to expand the scope of these existing genres and push them beyond their current limits into uncharted waters. Despite taking up the challenge of a new genre, Y’akoto still stays true to her whimsical and romantic R&B singing style in song.
Her voice is gripping from the beginning to the end of the song and makes one want to play the song on a loop. Is it the smoothness of her voice, or is it the quite genius way she plays with the melody? We cannot tell; all we know is that we want more of it.
The second the song starts with the signature ‘Nabeyin’ tag from the acclaimed producer, it is evident that this is going to be a beautiful, heart-gripping ride of emotions, and it does not disappoint. The tune starts lightly, almost teasingly, beckoning one to pay attention to the story about to unfold. The near-bewitching melody encapsulates one’s senses as the song progresses, giving one the feeling of watching a thrilling drama and rooting for the main character to get her just deserves.
The song boasts lyrics that explore legging it out of a harmful relationship in a clandestine manner, leaving almost like a thief in the night. She recalls how her former partner “covered my halo, telling me to lay low,” and treated her like filth. Using words to steel herself, Y’akoto tells herself that she’s “not just a star but the galaxy”. She goes on to directly ask her ex if he expects her to stay in this sickening environment.
Not restricting herself to merely saying and not doing, the singer can also be found using her social media platforms to encourage other women to freely speak their minds and not kowtow to outdated ideals. Indeed, one should live as they preach, or in this case, sing, and Y’akoto is a shining example of that.
WMYT was released on June 7th, and we can’t wait to see what other music Y’akoto has in store for us.
