From L to R: Amaarae, Rocky Dawuni, Moliy and Wiyaala
For many Ghanaian artistes, the love and support from fans at home can be overwhelming.
However, for some, the biblical verse, “No prophet is accepted in his hometown”, feels too real.
Despite gracing global stages and appearing on international charts, these artistes often go unrecognised or underappreciated in their home country.
With that being said, here are four Ghanaian creatives who have achieved international recognition but are yet to receive the same level of recognition in Ghana.
Amaarae
Amaarae, known for her unique voice and bold aesthetic, gained global attention with her viral hit “Sad Girlz Luv Money.”
In April 2018, she was named one of Apple Music Africa’s favorite new artistes and became a featured artiste for her debut project Passionfruit Summers.
That same year, Vogue Online recognised her as one of the Top 100 Style Influencers.
Amaarae has collaborated with Stonebwoy, Wande Coal, and others. On April 14, 2025, she made history as the first Ghanaian female artiste to perform a solo set at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
Her two studio albums, ‘The Angel You Don’t Know’ (2020) and ‘Fountain Baby’ (2023), have been critically acclaimed worldwide, yet she remains under-celebrated in Ghana.
Rocky Dawuni is a multiple Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and producer known for his blend of reggae, Afrobeat, and highlife.
In 2015, he became the first Ghanaian artiste to be nominated for a Grammy Award for his album ‘Branches of the Same Tree’ (Best Reggae Album).
The album was also listed among the Top 10 Most Essential Reggae Albums of All Time.
His global recognition continued with two more Grammy nominations: one in 2021 for Voice of Bunbon, Vol. 1 (Best Global Music Album) and another in 2022 for Neva Bow Down featuring Blvk H3ro (Best Global Music Performance).
Despite these milestones, Rocky Dawuni remains relatively overlooked in Ghana.
Wiyaala
In 2018, BBC listed Wiyaala on the list of “Amazing African Women”, alongside international figures like Ilhan Omar and Sahle-Work Zewde.
Wiyaala has performed at major festivals across Europe and North America, including Afrikadey (Canada) and the African Festival (Netherlands).
She won “Most Promising Artiste in Africa” at the 2013 AFRIMAs and followed up with “Revelation of the African Continent” in 2014 for her hit Rock My Body.
Despite her global footprint, Wiyaala often flies under the radar in Ghana’s mainstream media.
Moliy
Moliy Ama Montgomery, born on October 4, 2001, is a rising Ghanaian-American singer-songwriter who gained attention after featuring on Amaarae’s global hit ‘Sad Girlz Luv Money’.
In 2020, she released her debut EP ‘Wondergirl’, which gained traction across Africa.
Her 2024 single ‘Shake It To The Max’, produced by Silent Addy, went viral, topping the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart and peaking at No. 70 on the UK Singles Chart.
On April 12, 2025, she performed at the Reggae Fest concert at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, sharing the stage with Jamaican stars Shenseea and Skilibeng.
While her international profile continues to rise, Moliy remains relatively underappreciated in Ghana.
JHM/EB
Meanwhile, watch as Annor-Dompreh slams IGP over promise to recruit Bawku residents:
