Becca (Ghanaian singer)
Becca | |
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![]() Becca performing at the U.S Embassay in Accra during the celebration of America's 240th Birthday | |
Background information | |
Birth name | Rebecca Akosua Acheampomaa Acheampong |
Born | Kumasi, Ghana | 15 August 1984
Origin | Accra, Ghana |
Genres | |
Occupation(s) |
|
Instrument | Vocals |
Years active | 2007—present |
Labels | Zylofon Media[1] |
Rebecca Akosua Acheampomaa Acheampong (born 15 August 1984),[2][3] known mononymously as Becca, is a Ghanaian singer, songwriter and actress. She first gained recognition as a contestant on the second season of TV3's annual singing competition Mentor.[4] Her debut studio album Sugar was released in 2007; it earned her five nominations at the 2008 Ghana Music Awards, including Record of the Year for "You Lied to Me".[5][6] On 16 May 2013, Becca released her second studio album Time 4 Me, which features guest appearances from 2face Idibia, MI, King Ayisoba, Trigmatic, Jay Storm and Akwaboah. The album was certified 2x platinum in Ghana.
Becca's accolades include one Kora Award, one National Youth Achievers Award, four Ghana Music Awards, and three 4Syte TV Music Video Awards.[4] In 2013, she headlined the annual Girl Talk concert, which started in 2011.[7] Becca was ranked 94 on E.tv Ghana's 2013 list of the 100 most influential people in Ghana.[8] In March 2021, 3Music Network included her on its list of the Top 30 Most Influential Women in Music.[9] Becca has worked with artists such as Hugh Masakela and M.I Abaga.[10]
Life and music career
[edit]Rebecca Acheampong was born in Kumasi, Ghana. She is the first girl and fifth born of nine children.[11] Becca was quite active in church and school activities during her childhood. She attended Morning Star and Wesley Girls' High School, and took an interest in showcasing her vocal dexterity at talent shows held at the latter school. She graduated from Croydon College and became a child care and education worker.[2] Becca relocated to Ghana and signed with Kiki Banson's EKB Records.[2] She studied at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration.[12] Becca obtained a master's degree in brands and communication management from the University of Professional Studies (UPSA), and was made valedictorian.[13][14]
2007–2014: Sugar, Time 4 Me, performances, and "Move" single
[edit]![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2b/Becca_at_the_Ovation_Red_Carol_charity_ball.jpg/180px-Becca_at_the_Ovation_Red_Carol_charity_ball.jpg)
Becca started working on her debut studio album, Sugar, in 2007. The album comprises twelve songs and was recorded in English and Twi. It was preceded by the lead single "You Lied to Me", which was released in 2007 and features vocals by Kwabena Kwabena. The music video for the song was shot and directed in Ghana. On 13 November 2007, Becca launched the album in Ghana and featured Hugh Masekela on the song "I Love You".[2] Sugar was launched in South Africa alongside Hugh Masekela's album, Live at the Market Theatre (2007).[3]
Becca's second studio album, Time 4 Me, was released on 16 May 2013.[15] She describes the album as a musical journey inspired by her thoughts, emotions and beliefs.[16] The album comprises twenty songs and features guest vocals from 2face Idibia, MI, King Ayisoba, Trigmatic, Jay Storm, and Akwaboah. The album produced the singles "Forever", "Push", "Bad Man Bad Girl", "No Away" and "Follow the Leader". Ten thousand copies of the album were given to fans who bought the Thursday edition of Graphic Showbiz newspaper.[17] Time 4 Me was certified 2x platinum in Ghana.[18] Becca went on a nationwide campus tour to promote the album.[19] Her 2011 single "Africa Woman", a melodic ode to the strength and character of African women, appeared as a bonus on the album. The music video for "African Woman" was filmed in Ghana by Samad Davis; it starts with a quote and transitions into landscape scenes of Becca.[20][21]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/36/Becca_in_Brazil.jpg/237px-Becca_in_Brazil.jpg)
In 2011, Becca released "Forever" and "Push" as the album's lead and second singles, respectively. "Push" features guest vocals by King Ayisoba and Trigmatic. The music video for "Push" was uploaded to YouTube on 17 May 2011, and features cameo appearances from John Dumelo, Yvonne Okoro and Yvonne Nelson.[22] In February 2012, Becca released the album's third single "Bad Man Bad Girl", which features vocals by 2face Idibia and was recorded in the summer of 2011. The music video for "Bad Man Bad Girl" was shot in Accra and other parts of Ghana.[23] The M.I-assisted track "No Away" was released on 22 June 2012, as the album's fourth single.[24] The song was recorded in Ghana and Nigeria and mixed in South Africa. The music video for "No Away" was shot in South Africa and uploaded to YouTube on 12 August 2012, at a total length of 4 minutes and 11 seconds.[25] Liquor brand Kasapreko Company Limited and EKB Records spent $50,000 on the video shoot. The production cost for the video made it one of the most expensive videos released by a Ghanaian artist at that time.[26] The video for "No Away" was unveiled during a ceremony at the XL Club in Accra.[27]
On 17 June 2013, Becca released the album's fifth single "Follow the Leader".[28] On 25 June 2013, EKB Records released the music video for her song "Time 4 Me", which was shot in Yokohama and Tokyo.[29] Becca performed at the Accra International Conference Centre for MTN's Heroes of Change television series finale.[30] On 26 July 2013, she performed with recording engineer Kwame Yeboah (and his Ohia beye Ya band) to launch her second studio album in Accra.[16] On 20 December 2013, she headlined the third edition of the Girl Talk concert, which occurred at the National Theatre of Ghana.[7]
On 12 April 2014, Becca released the single "Move", which features vocals by South African group Uhuru and debuted on Bola Ray's Drive Time show on Joy FM. The song was produced by Kaywa and written by Becca and Kiki Banson.[31] The music video for "Move" was uploaded to YouTube on 1 May 2014, and features cameo appearances from Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Hugh Masekela.[32] Kwame Dadzie of Flex Ghana reviewed the song and concluded that its rhythm is a replica of "Khona".[33] On 24 March 2014, Allsports Ghana reported that Becca would perform before the kickoff of Ghana Premier League matches to promote the league.[34]
Artistry, humanitarian work and endorsements
[edit]Becca's upbringing and surroundings influenced her musical and fashion style. She has established a rescue organization which raises funds to help children affected by HIV/AIDS in Ghana.[2] In 2014, she became a Goodwill ambassador for UNAIDS.[35] On 1 September 2009, GLO Mobile Ghana unveiled Becca as one of its brand ambassadors.[36] Moreover, the Ministry of Youth and Sports unveiled her as one of Ghana's official ambassadors for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.[37]
Gender discrimination
[edit]Becca was scheduled to sing Ghana's national anthem at the Baba Yara Stadium during the country's World Cup qualifier match against Zambia in September 2013. Unfortunately for her, she did not perform due to a directive by authorities in charge of the match. Becca expressed her dissatisfaction at the incident while speaking at the UN Cultural Night, which took place at the Alliance Française in Accra. A spokesperson for the Ghana Football Association told Graphic Showbiz they didn't know arrangements had been made for Becca to sing.[35]
Personal life
[edit]Becca is married to Nigerian entrepreneur and artist manager Oluwatobi Sanni Daniel; the couple's wedding was held on 18 August 2018, in Accra.[38] She has a daughter.[39]
Relationship controversy
[edit]Becca was at the center of her former manager (Kiki Banson)'s controversial divorce from his wife. Banson allegedly divorced his wife in order to marry Becca.[40][41] Becca's father reportedly disowned her because of her intentions to wed her manager.[42][43]
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
- Sugar (2007)
- Time 4 Me (2013)
- Unveiling (2017)
Awards and nominations
[edit]Year | Event | Prize | Recipient | Result | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2017 | 2017 Ghana Music Awards UK | Highlife Artiste of the Year | Herself | Nominated | [44] |
2014 | City People Entertainment Awards | Musician of the Year (Female) | Nominated | [45] | |
2013 | 4Syte TV Music Video Awards | Best Female Video | "Time for Me" | Nominated | [46] |
City People Entertainment Awards | Musician of the Year (Female) | Herself | Nominated | [47] | |
2012 | 4Syte TV Music Video Awards | Best Female Video | "No Away" (featuring MI) |
Won | [48] |
Best Photography Video | Nominated | [49] | |||
Best Collaboration Video | Nominated | ||||
Overall Best Video | Nominated | ||||
Ghana Music Awards | Artiste of the Year | Herself | Nominated | [50] | |
Afro-Pop Song of the Year | "African Woman" | Nominated | |||
Best Music Video of The Year | Won | [51] | |||
Best Female Vocal Artiste | Herself | Nominated | [50] | ||
National Youth Achievers Awards | Music | Won | [52] | ||
2011 | 4Syte TV Music Video Awards | Best Photography Video | "African Woman" | Nominated | [53] |
Best Directed Video | Nominated | ||||
Best Storyline Video | Nominated | ||||
Overall Best Video | Won | [54] | |||
Best Collaboration Video | "Push" (featuring King Ayisoba & Trigmatic) |
Nominated | [53] | ||
Best Female Video | Won | [54] | |||
City People Entertainment Awards | Ghana Female Musician of the Year | Herself | Nominated | [55] | |
2010 | 4Syte TV Music Video Awards | Best Hi-Life Video | "Daa Ke Daa" | Nominated | [56] |
Best Storyline Video | Nominated | ||||
Best Female Video | Nominated | ||||
Best African Act Video | Nominated | ||||
Ghana Music Awards | Highlife Song of the Year | "Daa Ke Daa" | Nominated | [57] | |
Record of the Year | Won | [58] | |||
Best Female Vocal Performance | Herself | Won | |||
Artist of the Year | Nominated | [57] | |||
Kora Awards | Best African Prospect Award | Won | [55] | ||
2008 | Ghana Music Awards | Artiste of the Year | Nominated | [59] | |
Discovery of the Year | Nominated | ||||
Best Female Vocal Performance | Nominated | ||||
Pop Song of the Year | "You Lied to Me" (featuring Kwabena Kwabena) |
Nominated | |||
Best Collaboration of the Year | Nominated | ||||
Record of the Year | Sugar | Won | [60] | ||
Kora Awards [A] | Best Artist or Group Hope | Herself | Nominated | [62] | |
Best Artist or Group of West Africa |
Notes
[edit]See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Daniella Adu Asare (10 June 2017). "I want to grow with new management, Zylofon Media – Becca". My Joy Online. Archived from the original on 5 September 2019. Retrieved 19 February 2019.
- ^ a b c d e "Becca Biography". Peacefmonline.com. Archived from the original on 30 June 2016. Retrieved 17 June 2014.
- ^ a b "Becca releases "Sugar" album". Daily Guide. 27 August 2007. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 6 July 2014.
- ^ a b "Becca". Ghanacelebrities.com. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 17 June 2014.
- ^ "Ghana Music Awards 2008: Nominees". Ghanabase.com. 21 March 2008. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 17 June 2014.
- ^ Ameyaw Debrah (30 April 2008). "'Madman' Sweeps Ghana Music Awards". Modern Ghana. Archived from the original on 24 October 2014. Retrieved 17 June 2014.
- ^ a b "Becca's 'Girl Talk' Concert @ National Theatre". The Chronicle. 6 December 2013. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
- ^ "e.tv Ghana holds maiden edition of Ghana's Most Influential Awards". e.tv Ghana. 23 April 2013. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 8 July 2014.
- ^ "3Music Awards organisers name Top 30 Women in Music". Citinewsroom - Comprehensive News in Ghana. 5 March 2021. Archived from the original on 5 March 2021. Retrieved 15 March 2021.
- ^ "Amaarae, Cina Soul, Gyakie, Adina, Theresa Ayoade, others named in 3Music Awards' Top 30 Women in Music list - MyJoyOnline.com". www.myjoyonline.com. Archived from the original on 9 March 2021. Retrieved 15 March 2021.
- ^ "I grew up with my Step-mum – Becca". GhanaMusic.com. News One. 25 September 2012. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 28 June 2014.
- ^ "Rebecca Acheampong (Becca) Bio: 10 Lesser Known Facts About Her". BuzzGhana - Famous People, Celebrity Bios, Updates and Trendy News. 3 November 2015. Archived from the original on 22 September 2020. Retrieved 3 April 2020.
- ^ emmakd (31 August 2022). "Becca obtains Masters' degree at UPSA". Ghana Business News. Archived from the original on 31 August 2022. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
- ^ "Singer Becca named UPSA valedictorian". Graphic Online. Archived from the original on 31 August 2022. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
- ^ "Ghanaian Singer, Becca Set To Launch Latest Album on the 16th Of May". Music Network. 6 May 2013. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 6 July 2014.
- ^ a b Yeboah, Isaac (21 July 2013). "Becca, Kwame Yeboah launch at +233". Daily Graphic. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
- ^ "Phenomenal BECCA launches album in unique style". Ghana Web. 17 May 2013. Archived from the original on 13 October 2014. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
- ^ Nii Atakora Mensah (11 August 2012). "Becca reveals her 'Time 4 Me' album track list". Ghana Music.com. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 19 February 2019.
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- ^ "Diamonds get their character from the African Woman" – Ghanaian Star Becca releases music video for her track – "African Woman". Bellanaija. 2 March 2011. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
- ^ "New Music Video: "Push" Becca Featuring King Ayisoba and Trigmatic". Peace FM Online. 19 May 2011. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
- ^ "Becca Set To Release With 2Face". Daily Guide. 14 June 2011. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
- ^ "New Music: Becca Feat. M.I – No Away". Bellanaija. 22 June 2012. Archived from the original on 12 August 2014. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
- ^ "New Video: Becca Feat. M.I – No Away". Bellanaija. 13 August 2012. Archived from the original on 10 September 2014. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
- ^ "Ghana: Becca Drops $50,000 Song". Showbiz Africa. 19 June 2012. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
- ^ "Becca: I'm Not A Big Fool". Vibe Ghana. 23 June 2012. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
- ^ "Ghanaian Music Star Becca Returns with New Single 'Follow The Leader'". Bellanaija. 18 June 2013. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
- ^ "Posts Tagged 'Becca 'Time 4 Me' Music Video'". Ghana Celebrities. 26 July 2013. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
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- ^ "Becca's Latest Single 'Move'- A Replication of 'Khona'?". Flex Ghana. 21 April 2014. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
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- ^ "STARS UNVEILED AS WORLD CUP AMBASSADORS FOR GHANA". Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 6 July 2014.
- ^ "First beautiful photos & videos from Becca's traditional wedding with Tobi Sanni Daniel | AirnewsOnline". AirnewsOnline. 18 August 2018. Archived from the original on 20 August 2018. Retrieved 19 August 2018.
- ^ Online, Peace FM. "What Is The Colour of Becca's Baby? – Blakofe Asks". peacefmonline.com. Archived from the original on 14 January 2020. Retrieved 14 January 2020.
- ^ "Singer Becca Causes Manager 'Kiki Banson' To Divorce Wife For Her". OMG Ghana. 30 April 2012. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 6 July 2014.
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- ^ "The 'Becca' story: Our gods must be crazy!". The Ghana Herald. Archived from the original on 14 July 2014. Retrieved 6 July 2014.
- ^ "2017 Ghana Music Awards UK Stonebwoy, Kumi Guitar, Becca, others bag multiple nominations". Pulse. 7 July 2017. Archived from the original on 5 October 2017. Retrieved 5 October 2017.
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- ^ Debrah, Ameyaw (18 November 2012). "NaturalFace tops 2012 4syte TV Music Video awards with 4 nods". Ameyaw Debrah.com. Archived from the original on 27 July 2014. Retrieved 16 July 2014.
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- ^ Debrah, Ameyaw (30 April 2008). "'Madman' Sweeps Ghana Music Awards". Modern Ghana. Archived from the original on 24 October 2014. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
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