After nearly a decade away from the music scene, Ghanaian singer Raquel is making a triumphant return with a new name, a new sound, and a renewed sense of purpose.
The ‘Sweetio’ singer has reintroduced herself as Elia-Naa, a name she says represents “a clean slate” and the start of a new journey in both her life and career.
In a recent interview with Graphic Showbiz, she talked about her long break from music, her transformation, and why this comeback feels more authentic than ever.
During her time away, Raquel embraced a completely different life in the United Kingdom.
“For the past eight years, I enjoyed working as a full-time supply teacher in primary schools across the UK and occasionally taught music and also worked as a teaching assistant for children with special needs. I absolutely love it! I love children,” she said.
The singer revealed that her time away also allowed for deep introspection.
“I’ve also spent a lot of time getting to know myself. This might sound strange but a lot of people don’t really know who they are or what they stand for and what they are truly capable of. Taking time to reflect, isolate, restart and reload has refreshed my life in ways I never imagined,” she added.
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Her rebirth as Elia-Naa holds special personal and spiritual meaning. The “Naa” derives from her Ga name, Naa Ayorkor, meaning “princess” or “queen,” while “Elia” was inspired by a biblical reference she uncovered with her cousin, Ezekiel. Her middle name, Patience, serves as a reminder to trust divine timing.
“I no longer connected with Raquel,” she explained. “In Spanish, it means ‘female sheep’—and that wasn’t me anymore. I wanted a name that reflects my journey, my faith and the fact that God has always answered my prayers.”
Even while she stepped out of the limelight, Elia-Naa never completely abandoned music. She continued recording and releasing songs on digital platforms.
“They are beautiful pieces. They include Hope with my brother Azaryah. It took me about three years to finally record my verse for this stunning song. There is also Passover Me with my sisters Babette and Matildao and Plenty Name and Sↄlemↄ. I have two songs with my brother from Congo titled Enjoyment and Thy Will ft Aaron,” she said.
Now, Elia-Naa is gearing up to reintroduce herself to fans through a new EP and her second studio album, more than a decade after releasing her debut project, @25, in 2012.
