The “Lioness of Africa” is back on the prowl. Ghanaian singer-songwriter Wiyaala has announced her highly anticipated 2025 European tour, bringing her signature blend of Afro-pop, rock, and West African folk to audiences across the continent. Backed by her dynamic band, The Yaga Yagas, Wiyaala promises a series of performances that are more than just concerts—they’re full-bodied cultural experiences.
Born and raised in the village of Funsi in Ghana’s Upper West Region, Wiyaala sings in Sissala, Waala, and English, weaving together rhythms and stories that reflect her heritage and global outlook. Her mission? “Make them laugh, make them cry, and then make them rock.” And she delivers—whether commanding the stage at WOMAD UK, Summerfest New York, or the Commonwealth Games in Australia.
Nigel Wood of the Irish Times captured her essence perfectly: “Feisty is not the word – she is a powerhouse in the mode of a young Angelique Kidjo, effervescent and funny, she rocked the crowd and got a grand reception.”
But Wiyaala’s impact extends far beyond the stage. A passionate advocate for children’s rights and education, she has built The Lioness Kingdom in Funsi—a vibrant cultural hub that includes the Wiyaala Arts Centre, a community radio station, and a guesthouse. Her music, often praised by the BBC for its “messages of empowerment and resilience,” reflects this deep commitment to social change.
The 2025 tour kicks off on 26 August in Postojna, Slovenia, and includes acoustic sets in London, Sutton, and Southampton, before returning to Slovenia for a string of performances in historic venues like Ljubljana Castle and Celje Theatre. The tour wraps up in Switzerland on November 8.
Tour Dates at a Glance:
- 26 Aug – Zmaj ’ma mlade, Postojna, Slovenia
- 30 Aug – Bold (Acoustic), London, UK
- 12 Sep – The Sound Lounge (Acoustic), Sutton, UK
- 13 Sep – Music in the City (Acoustic), Southampton, UK
- 19 Sep – Culture Centre, Ravne na Koroškem, Slovenia
- 3 Oct. – Ljubljana Castle, Slovenia
- 10 Oct – Hangar Bar, Izola, Slovenia
- 23 Oct. – Celje Theatre, Slovenia
- 8 Nov – Seldas, Schaffhausen, Switzerland
For a taste of what’s coming, check out these standout performances:
• Wiyaala & The YagaYagas – Kamfest, Slovenia 2022 – A high-energy set showcasing Wiyaala’s stage presence and the band’s tight musical chemistry.
• Wiyaala & The Yaga Yagas & The RTV Slovenia Symphony – A stunning collaboration blending traditional Waala chants with orchestral arrangements.
• Wiyaala – The Calabash Sessions Live – Rock & Sand – An intimate acoustic rendition featuring Miha Petric and Jost Lampret.
•Wiyaala & The Yaga Yagas – When The Lord Get Us Ready – A soulful performance that highlights her vocal depth and emotional range.
• Wiyaala Live Acoustic for NRK TV Norway – A stripped-back set that reveals the raw beauty of her traditional Sissala sound.
• Wiyaala & The Yaga Yagas at Welcome to the Village – A festival favourite that captures the spirit of her live shows.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to her music, Wiyaala’s 2025 tour is a rare opportunity to witness one of Africa’s most compelling live performers in an intimate European setting. Follow her on Bandsintown for ticket updates and venue details—and prepare to be moved, inspired, and thoroughly rocked.
© Feferity Media 2025