Poetra Asantewa, a Ghanaian artist and storyteller, recently announced on her Instagram that her EP “XX” is now available on all streaming platforms!

This EP uses poetry to unfold its story. According to her biography on Afro Women Poetry, she aims not to be defined solely by her poetry or writing but by the depth of the stories she tells.

Poetra Asantewa is also known as Ama Asantewa Diaka from her literary work. She is the author of the chapbook, You Too Will Know Me, and the debut poetry collection, Woman, Eat Me Whole, as well as her most recent poetry collection, someone birthed them broken.

Poetry, by its very nature, is lyrical, making it a natural fit to transition from written verse to musical expression. Asantewa embodies this connection by transforming her poetic lines into captivating musical verses. Her talent for combining the worlds of poetry and music shines through her lyricism. Below are a few verses from her EP, “XX,” that highlight her storytelling prowess and her dedication to blending these two art forms into a a perfectly blended experience:

There will be no hopelessness

There will be no bankruptcy of love

There will be no erasing of our labor –

This poem is having none of that

“XX” uses music, lyrics, and poetry to move us through a journey through the feeling of empowerment. Moving through pain and suffering without needing to give an explanation for it and feeling that it’s okay to sit alone with your thoughts is powerful.

The EP “XX” was produced by Nii Dromo Yartey, known as @niidromo on Instagram, in collaboration with singer KiKie (@kikie_sings). This partnership amplifies the storytelling and deepens the song’s message of feminine empowerment, adding powerful layers to Asantewa’s spoken words throughout.

Asantewa initially channeled her storytelling through powerful poetry slam performances, which sparked conversations with fellow slam poets who inspired her to explore new forms of expression.

Asantewa’s work delves into themes like self-love, personal discovery, mental health, and body image, allowing her to deeply resonate with diverse audiences. By blending spoken word with original soundtracks, each of Poetra’s EP’s are uniquely crafted to convey a specific, powerful message.

Other writers have also taken their work and transformed it into song. Nigerian writer Chibundo Onuzo has released multiple songs about embracing life and being your true self. Another Nigerian writer, Akwaeke Emenzi, made their musical debut all about being creative and not being put into a specific genre. Purposeful writing is such an important part of songwriting and with talented writers like these, blending their lyrics with music is a great way to showcase their talents.

African storytelling encompasses a wide range of genres and forms, offering a rich narratives that provide deeper insight into cultural experiences. These diverse storytelling methods give African artists a powerful platform to share their voices and perspectives. Music serves as a gateway, drawing new audiences into the vibrant world of African storytelling.

Congratulations to Poetra Asantewa on “XX”! We can’t wait to see what she releases next! Asantewa’s music is available on many streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple Music.

Check out her whole Instagram announcement here!