For decades, the Northern Ghana secular music has been sidelined due to its language barrier even though music has nothing to do with language.

Even though their secular music which is predominantly Afrobeats doesn’t sell, their tradition music has put some of their prominent musicians like King Ayisoba, Sherifa Gunu, Atongo, etc on the international market.

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But their sudden switch from traditional to secular has been a game changer – thanks to two of Tamale’s biggest artistes, Macassio and Fancy Gadam. The region has gained roots in the industry and their artistes are celebrated nationwide.

On this note, David Mawuli brings you the top five artistes in the northern versus southern parts of Ghana.

Northern Ghana

Wiyaala

Ever since she won the 2012 edition of Vodafone ICONS Mixed Edition with Black n Peach, she has never been the same. She has released several hit songs, performed at several prestigious corporate shows, toured the world and has gotten international media coverage.

Fancy Gadam

Fancy, whose real Ahmed Mujahid Bello is the current hottest Northern artiste. He has headlined many successful concerts and an album launch which saw over 10 fans in attendance. He is known for his hit songs “Concrete”, “Bie Gya”, and “Naayi Koomi”

Macassio

Sheriff Abdul Majeed “Maccasio” is a Hiplife musician who is making it big in the region. He is best known for his single “Too Big” featuring Shatta Wale. He has “Tinaaba” and “De-Bank” to his credit.

Don Sigli

Don Sigli is not a new name when it comes to showbiz in the southern part of Ghana. He is known for releasing several hits in the Northern region and has also collaborated with some of the top artistes in Accra. He has “Turn Me On” featuring Mugeez, “Nku Zaani” featuring Edem, and “carry Me Go” featuring DXD to his credit.

Lil K

Lil K is one of the rising stars making huge waves in Tamale. He fuses Twi and Dagbaani in his song. The singer is known for his fairly hit songs “Sakawa”, “Pay Am” “Politicians” featuring D-Black, “Booku Ni Pen, and “La'gpangda”.

Southern Ghana

Shatta Wale

Shatta Wale is the current leading musician in South and even across the country. Just this year, he has won over 5 international awards including the “Artiste of the Year” award at Ghana Music Awards UK. “Obordobidi”, “Mahama Vs. Nana” and “Kpuu Kpaa” are among the numerous hit songs he has released this year.

Sarkodie

Since breaking through in 2010, Sarkodie has dominated the music industry. He has also won several awards, performed on several stages and released three hit songs so far.

Stonebwoy

This year has been good for Stonebwoy. After started off the year with a hit song “People Dey”, he has managed to mount a stage in his home Ashaiman and won several awards. His EP called “LIVINGSTONE” is being considered for 2017 Grammys.

E.L

He is the current Vodafone Ghana Music Awards’ “Artiste of the Year” award winner. He is currently in the Coke Studio Africa for its 2016 edition.

M.anifest

Many claim this is M.anifest’s year. Apart from winning a beef with ‘almighty’ Sarkodie, he has dropped an album which is making waves across the country.