From commanding international stages to lending her voice to global productions, Akkuvi's proving that there’s power in radical honesty, creating music that not only makes you move, but makes you feel deeply too.
Having built an impressive international profile across music, performance, and voice acting. Akuvi says her artistic identity is both fierce and emotional, vibes and vulnerability. “I merge positive soundscapes with emotional depth through my honest lyrics and soulful vocal delivery, making space for the intricate complexities of life. I’ve drawn inspiration from artists like Omah Lay, Gyakie, Jhene Aiko and even Billie Eilish, but when I started out 10 years ago there weren’t many people making melancholic afrobeats.” She asserts that there’s something very freeing about being radically honest, while simultaneously giving people a rhythm to dance to. “I think this is where afrobeats, or at least the niche I fall under, is going”.
With over 4 million streams across platforms, what do you think has resonated most with your audience? “From what I’ve been told by listeners, it is the feelings my music evokes. I’ve had people tell me that «triumph» inspired them to quit their job and even push through child labor (she chuckles) . I've also been told that «in my feelings» and «what we are» inspired breakups.”
While she feels honored to hear that this is the case, she shares that this her perspective on art, “The overall purpose is to reflect the human experience back to people by expressing what is felt, and by energetically moving people into certain states of minds. I have both «sad» and more sassy songs, but both are honest.”
GLAMOUR: You have performed across Norway, Ghana, and South Africa. How have these different audiences shaped your sound and stage presence?
Akuvi: South Africa taught me that you have to be authentic. Ghana taught me that you have to be visible, and Norway taught me that you need to be intentional. The industry as a whole has taught me that every rep counts - get the 10 000 hours in and opportunities, streams, stage presence will end up being undeniable.
GLAMOUR: Opening for Shenseea in Oslo in 2025 is a major milestone. What was that experience like, and what did it mean for your career?
Akuvi: It was such a powerful experience. I’m rooting so hard for women in this industry. It was a true honor to open for her on her first show in Norway, both because she is an artist I truly look up to, but also because it symbolised a change: Norway has traditionally not been the best at embracing afrobeats and dancehall, and to have women on the forefront of the change like that was so empowering. On top of that, she is such a cool woman. For my career, it was a big milestone to share the stage with her.
GLAMOUR: You were a top three finalist in the Afro Future Rising Star Challenge in 2024. How did that moment impact your confidence and visibility as an artist?
Akuvi: It was definitely a confidence boost. The selection was between hundreds of afrobeats artists and involved judges, votes, social media engagement and performance. The competition also opened for a slot at Africa’s biggest festival: The Afro Future festival. I’m super grateful for the opportunity and the recognition. I worked hard to do my part, but nothing in this life is guaranteed.
GLAMOUR: Headlining Oslo World Festival in 2021 is no small feat. What do you remember most about that performance?
Akuvi: My band and I were able to bring authentic live afrobeats and it was a great experience. It happened shortly after I had moved back to Norway after 5 years in South Africa, where I had launched my music career. It felt amazing to see that my sound was appreciated in the place where I grew up, especially since I initially had felt the need to move to the other side of the world to do this.
GLAMOUR: You have been a finalist in the Norwegian Eurovision selections twice. What have those experiences taught you about artistry and resilience?
Akuvi: The kind of pressure that a high end TV production like that entails, is a great test of stagecraft. The performance is live and with intense dance choreography. I absolutely loved the experience and also the competitive aspect of it. Everyone brings their absolute best. The hours that go into rehearsals, costume design, stage design, media but also songwriting is a whole lot, and I’ve brought that into everything I’ve done in TV and live performances ever since. Eurovision is the biggest music competition in the world, but what many don’t know is that it first and foremost is a songwriting competition. In both cases, I was instrumental in writing my own entry, together with some amazing Swedish songwriters as well (shout out to Andreas Stone, Costa Leon and Anderz Wrethov). The two songs are my most streamed songs ever, which I feel so honored to be able to say.
GLAMOUR: How do you approach creating music that can connect both locally and globally?
Akuvi: I would be lying if I said the creation is highly affected by such geographical strategies. I write the music that I like, which happens to be a global/ international sound. Most times, it comes out in English, but sometimes also in ewe and even Norwegian. Other than the language, the afrobeats sound has been growing at an extreme rate the past five years. However, I started before that movement from a place of love and appreciation and a need for self expression, before the genre was «popping». I would make the exact music that I make today even if it didn’t have a global appeal.
GLAMOUR: You have also lent your voice to major productions like Disney’s Encanto and Netflix’s Karma’s World. How did you step into voice acting, and what did you enjoy about it?
Akuvi: It is so fun to do and also healing in the sense that I get to be part of the change that is happening in media in our generation: Black and brown characters were not as common in animation and TV when I grew up, at least not as main characters. So I love what is happening and that I get to be an instrumental part of it. My 9 year old self would’ve needed someone like Karma in Karma’s world on TV growing up: An introspective, talented brown girl with a big afro and a diary she writes rhymes in! How dope? I’ve always been fascinated by voice acting. Therefore, when a studio in Norway reached out for an audition, I felt both excited and scared, since I don’t have an acting degree. A part of me has felt the imposter syndrome heavily, but what has calmed me is knowing that it is the client (Disney, Netflix) in the USA who listens to all the different voice actors tapes and chooses the best fit.
GLAMOUR: How does your work in voice acting influence your music, if at all?
Akuvi: Maybe I’ve become more aware of the impact of energy in my vocal delivery. One sentence can be said or sung in so many different ways, expressing completely different emotions or vibes.
GLAMOUR: Performing at Bhimfest and collaborating with Stonebwoy are huge moments. How did those opportunities come about, and what did you take from them?
Akuvi: Bhimfest was a huge moment. I mean, Accra Sports stadium? More than 50k people? Opening for Stonebwoy? It was surreal and fun. I felt honored to be given the platform to showcase my art and all that I’m about. And I really appreciate all the feedback on how my energy hit the crowd. While this is a huge platform, I have been working as a live performer and artist for close to 10 years. So a part of me also felt at home and ready to show them what I got!
I wrote Dream Big in 2022 while visiting Ghana for the first time in almost 10 years, and for the first time without my parents. I had wanted to relocate to Ghana, but was scared and unsure of how starting from scratch would be, both personally and professionally. It was a pep talk to myself at the time, reminding myself that anything is possible. And that if you get knocked down, you will rise stronger. I am a big fan of Stonebwoy and I remember visualizing him on the track. We spoke about it in the studio, and even left an open verse for him. He had no idea who I was at the time, so it was quite «unrealistic». But once I had envisioned it I was stubborn about making the dream come true. I started spending more time in Ghana, and I made sure to mention my dream in every radio interview I had. We tried to reach him for almost 2 years without success. It was actually in 2024 that my brother randomly ran into him at the airport in Ghana, that things started moving. I was in Norway, and Stonebwoy was coincidentally heading there too. We linked up and I told him my story. He asked to hear the song, and decided there and then that I was a «big tune» that he wanted to jump on. And he did. Now, 4 years after I wrote my verse, the song is out. This means that anything is possible and that if your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough.
GLAMOUR: : What was it like sharing space with artists who are shaping the African music scene on a global scale?
Akuvi: Those moments are pivotal and surreal. It is not a small thing to be indirectly verified by these artists and platforms by being given that responsibility! I salute Ghana for being such a fertile ground for new talent and collaborations. I feel so welcomed and embraced, although I only found my way home 4 years ago.
GLAMOUR: How do you prepare mentally and creatively for such a demanding tour schedule?
Akuvi: The show we are currently touring with was created with my team in July-september last year. It took us months of brainstorming, trial and error and countless hours of rehearsal. The show is scalable and has an international appeal. I’ve done it successfully in Oslo, Zanzibar and in Accra sports stadium. It is a lot of work but it feels good to have every move imprinted into muscle memory. That gives me the leeway to add some new touches and truly connect with the audience when in the moment since I’m confident and not too in my head.
GLAMOUR: What challenges have you faced as an artist navigating different markets and industries?
Akuvi: Where do I begin haha. The creative industry is not organized, so it takes a lot of trial and error, networking and patience to pave a way. The biggest challenge I would say is 1. Being a woman in a male dominated space. Getting the respect, recognition and professionalism a lot of men get by default. You have to grow thick skin and demonstrate your professionalism and seriousness without being harsh and getting a «diva» stamp. And you never know what people’s true intentions are. 2. Encountering «talkers» who claim to be of great influence and who want to «help» but who at the end of the day don’t stay true to their words or turn out to not have the skills, experience or opportunities they wanted to convince you that they had.
GLAMOUR: What has been the most defining moment of your journey so far?
Akuvi: I’m struggling to choose one. So I’ll give you three:
- Getting to more than 4 million streams as an independent artist.
- The release of Dream Big ft. Stonebwoy
- I’m convinced the defining moment is coming with the release of my EP «Afrobeats for emotional gangsters» 28 may 2026
GLAMOUR: You’ve started the year on a high, with a standout performance at the Forbes Leading Women Summit. What was that experience like, and do you see yourself continuing to use your voice to advocate for women globally?
Akuvi: Sometimes in life you get invited to ignite a side of yourself that you’ve been wanting to explore but that in a way requires invitation to manifest. I’ve always been passionate about philosophy, storytelling and intellectually stimulating conversations. And while I have participated in a couple of panels before, this was by far the most prestigious opportunity I could've gotten as a speaker. I mean, Forbes?! I was definitely intimidated at first, but there was a bigger part of me that felt called and ready to do it. I ended up writing a personal speech that incorporated my story as an artist and even rhyming and singing. I did it my way. It was such an honor and I loved every part of it, especially the part where I got to be surrounded by amazing leading women who do great things. It meant a lot when people came up to me to express how much my speech moved them. What a moment!
GLAMOUR: What is your vision for the next phase of your career, and what do you hope your music represents on a global stage?
Akuvi: I am gearing up to release my EP «Afrobeats for Emotional Gangsters» in May and I am so excited for it! «Dream Big ft. Stonebwoy» is the first single from the project. 24th April I’m releasing the next single called «Strangers». A song about two former lovers who wished they never crossed the line, because becoming lovers now has become the hinder for being friends. The soundscape is giving James Bond, but make it afrobeats. Other songs on the EP include collabs with amazing Ghanaian artists. The EP will take you on a journey, capturing feelings including sadness, sexy energy, hope and contemplation
GLAMOUR: You’ve been working on your upcoming EP Afrobeats for Emotional Gangsters. What inspired the project, and what can fans expect from this new body of work?
Akuvi: I’ve released several songs throughout the years, and while they all represent a side of me, I’ve been feeling like I need a solid project which truly represents my authentic sound, to say that THIS is Akuvi. This coming EP is what I want people to know me as: An emotional gangster is brave and a boss, but she is also vulnerable and sensitive: She doesn’t shy away from emotion and chats that some people might deem «too deep». It is always that deep. In «Let Me Know», for instance, I introduce a world where the thrill of meeting someone new also can come with uncertainty and fear. What could’ve been a strictly romantic and sensual song is now a confession of how anxious the hope can make one feel. Similarly: And in the feel good anthem «Dream Big ft. Stonebwoy», which is by far my most optimistic song ever about chasing dreams, I also describe the struggles on the way to the top. I take pride in being one of few afrobeats artists who dare to say the quiet thing out loud and allow for the whole specter of emotion to be reflected: Sadness and sass, hope and fear, rootlessness and anxiety, upbeat rhythms and vulnerable vocals that hit a nerve. Expect some steaming hot visuals, lyrics that make you contemplate life and to-die-for collabs with Ghanian artists. I can’t wait to take you into my world..
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