Singer Gyakie has described what it feels like to be on stage as an artiste in recent times, stating that online trolls have made live performances feel less joyful, and more like being on trial in a courtroom.
In an interview with Nigerian media outlet ‘The Guardian’, published on August 26, 2025, the Ghanaian ‘songbird’ explained that while she loves recording in the studio and performing on stage, the pressure from internet trolls has created a different, more stressful reality for artistes during live shows.
Collaboration is key in making music – Gyakie
She described the stage as a “courtroom,” where artistes must always be on guard because of the fear that any slip could be twisted against them online.
“I mostly enjoy making music in the studio, but I also enjoy stage performances. My only problem with the stage is that with how everyone comes online to troll artistes, it’s made the stage feel like a courtroom. One has to be extra mindful of their conduct, because some troll is probably making a creepy video of you to use against you online. If I take that out, it’s always fun for me to be on stage,” she told The Guardian.
I don’t read comments anymore – Gyakie on dealing with social media criticism
When asked about the most heartwarming fan experience she has had recently, Gyakie pointed to her December 2024 performance in Sierra Leone.
She recalled how overwhelmed she was by the reception, admitting she had not expected the crowd to be familiar with her catalogue and sing her songs word for word.
“I went to perform in Sierra Leone last December, and the reception was so amazing. I didn’t expect that they would sing most of my catalogue word for word. Every single day was full of genuine love,” she said.
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