Raquel Naa Ayorkor Ammah

Raquel Naa Ayorkor Ammah, popularly known as Raquel was born on December 8, 1987, in the United Kingdom to Ghanaian parents. Growing up in West London with her mother, two brothers, and a sister, Raquel's childhood was filled with musical influences from her parents, who exposed her to reggae, hi-life, and iconic artists like Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston.

Raquel attended several schools due to her family's frequent moves, but she cherished her time at Hogarth Primary School and West Thames College in Chiswick. After completing secondary school, Raquel pursued her interests in acting, singing, and dance by studying English Literature and Drama at Sixth Form. Later, she enrolled in a National Diploma in Performing Arts and Extra Dance/Choreography Class at West Thames College. Her exceptional talent and dedication earned her a scholarship to Roehampton (formerly The University of Surrey), where she studied Drama, Theatre, and Performance Studies. However, her passion for music eventually led her to put her academic pursuits on hold and focus on her music career.

Raquel officially entered the music scene in 2005 and quickly gained attention for her unique voice and powerful performances. She shared the stage with international artists like Mario, Stephanie Benson, and others, showcasing her versatility and star quality.

In 2008, Raquel made the life-changing decision to move to Ghana, where she currently resides in Accra. Her decision proved fruitful as her hit singles "Odo" and "Sweetio" featuring Sarkodie gained massive popularity, amassing millions of views on YouTube and widespread recognition both within Ghana and internationally.

Her breakout hit single, "Odo," released in July 2010, marked a significant turning point in her career. The song's success propelled her into the limelight and solidified her position as a rising star in the Ghanaian music industry.

Raquel's talent and hard work did not go unnoticed. In 2012, she received the Best Female Artist award at the YFM All-Star Weekend Awards. She earned nominations at prestigious events like the Vodafone 4syte Music Video Awards and the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards in 2011 and 2012, respectively.

Raquel has graced numerous major stages since her professional debut, showcasing her talent and captivating audiences with her exceptional performances. She headlined her own shows organized by BlackStar SR Entertainment, further solidifying her status as a top female artist in Ghana.

Raquel's musical style has been influenced by a diverse range of artists, from reggae legends like Bob Marley and Lucky Dube to R&B icons like Whitney Houston and Mary J. Blige. She also credits her senior brother for introducing her to hip hop music.

Beyond her music career, Raquel takes her social responsibility seriously. She voluntarily mentors for the Christ Humanitarian Foundation (CHF), a private charity in Ghana, and serves as a public advocate to help raise funds for the foundation's initiatives.