Wiyaala came from difficult beginnings to achieve her current success, so she never shies away from strongly advocating for the less fortunate, particularly women and children.
The singer recently spoke to the BBC on the sidelines of the WOMAD International Arts Festival in the UK, and she was asked about her use of music for advocacy.
Wiyaala told the British Broadcaster that since she came from a similar background, where childhood poverty was rampant, education was non-existent and child marriages was the order of the day, she felt the responsibility to raise awareness about these any way she can.
“[Growing up] no one was taking education seriously, boys were asked to go take care of the cattle, the girls only come to school because that day they aren’t going to farm and they are aware that day there’s going to be food in school.” she said.
“Let children be children” she continued, after answering in the affirmative if she was trying to make a difference with her music. “Let them grow up and enjoy childhood. The girls should not be married off, they are children, they do not know their left from their right to even be a mother. They are kids themselves. They are in a classroom and after one week, the girl in the next class, they’re getting married. The next time you see them they are selling pepper and onions.”
She added that when she goes back to her village, so many mates of hers are now married with numerous children and living hard lives, and that inspires her to throw light on all these issues.
She also said that the problem was hardly unique to children, as it extends throughout society. She said therefore female artists like herself receive little support, in comparison to male artists who are given massive support.
“In Ghana for example, the industry doesn’t really support females. A guy would drop a song, which even some don’t make sense but the next day, it’s all over the place.
“But when a female drops a song, with good vocals and nice message, nobody cares about it. When I ask why female musicians are treated that way, the answer they gave me was that, women are difficult and hard to manage. But with the guys, they are easy to manage. And I’m like, aren’t the women who gave birth to you the men? So why neglect them?” she wondered.