No industry is where it’s at without a bulk of effort from women, including entertainment and music. DigiMillennials is using this interview series to spotlight black women In Canada and Africa who are contributing a good quota towards the growth of black popular culture.
Essilfie, music artiste
Ghana.
How would you best describe yourself?
I’d say I am an artist who’s always evolving, both in my music and in life. Storytelling is a big part of what I do. I love turning emotions and experiences into songs that people can connect with. But not everything has to be deep. Sometimes, I just make music for the fun of it. My sound blends different influences, but at its core, it’s an honest reflection of who I am per moment.
Beyond music, I’m someone who moves with passion and purpose. I’m always learning, growing, and finding new ways to express myself. There’s still so much I want to explore, and that’s what keeps me excited about the journey.
Tell us about your music.
My music blends Afro-soul, R&B, rap, and alternative influences, driven by deep emotion and storytelling. It explores themes of fun, reality, love, longing, self-discovery, pain, and identity. Songs like Notice Me and Abyss embody these emotions, capturing both the excitement of love and the heartache of loss. My goal is to create music that connects with people on a soul level, making them feel seen and understood.
Was working in entertainment always the plan?
Not exactly. I’ve always loved music almost obsessively, but I didn’t initially see it as a career path. I grew up in a place where creative careers weren’t really encouraged, so I had to unlearn that and allow myself to fully step into my calling. Over time, I realized that music isn’t just a hobby, it is literally my purpose.
Favourite thing about being a woman in entertainment?
The ability to redefine old and outdated narratives. Women in entertainment today are breaking barriers, owning their stories, and taking up space in ways that weren’t always possible before. It’s so inspiring!
I love being part of that shift, being a voice for myself and others who connect with my journey.
Least favourite thing about being a woman in entertainment?
The double standards. We often have to work twice as hard to be taken seriously, and we’re constantly judged based on factors that have nothing to do with our talent. But I’ve learned to navigate that by standing firm in my craft and not compromising on my worth.
Biggest life lesson you have learnt in recent times?
That detachment is a form of self-love. Not everything and everyone is meant to stay in your life, and that’s okay. Learning to let go of people, situations—and even expectations—has brought me a lot of peace.
Advice to young women aspiring to pursue a career in the creative industry?
Believe in yourself, always. The industry isn’t easy and if you don’t know who you are, it’s easy to get lost in the noise. Stay real, set boundaries, and keep people around who truly support you. Never dim your light for anyone.
Millennials across Africa and in the diaspora have the same picture of what the world should look like. We are documenting it in the coolest ways 🤘
