Ghanaian artist Raquel is making a successful comeback with a new identity, a new sound, and a revitalized sense of purpose after over ten years away from the music business.
The singer of “Sweetio” has changed her name to Elia-Naa, which she claims symbolises “a clean slate” and the beginning of a new chapter in her life and career.
She discussed her extended hiatus from music, her metamorphosis, and why this return seems more genuine than before in a recent interview with Graphic Showbiz.
Raquel enjoyed a totally different life in the UK while she was overseas.
“For the past eight years, I enjoyed working as a full-time supply teacher in primary schools across the UK and occasionally taught music and also worked as a teaching assistant for children with special needs. I absolutely love it! I love children,” she said.
The singer explained that her time away also allowed for profound introspection.
“I’ve also spent a lot of time getting to know myself. This might sound strange but a lot of people don’t really know who they are or what they stand for and what they are truly capable of. Taking time to reflect, isolate, restart and reload has refreshed my life in ways I never imagined,” she added.
Her rebirth as Elia-Naa holds special personal and spiritual meaning. The “Naa” derives from her Ga name, Naa Ayorkor, meaning “princess” or “queen,” while “Elia” was inspired by a biblical reference she uncovered with her cousin, Ezekiel. Her middle name, Patience, serves as a reminder to trust divine timing.
“I no longer connected with Raquel,” she explained. “In Spanish, it means ‘female sheep’—and that wasn’t me anymore. I wanted a name that reflects my journey, my faith and the fact that God has always answered my prayers.”
Even although she stepped out of the limelight, Elia-Naa never entirely abandoned music. She continued recording and releasing songs on internet channels.
“They are beautiful pieces. They include Hope with my brother Azaryah. It took me about three years to finally record my verse for this stunning song. There is also Passover Me with my sisters Babette and Matildao and Plenty Name and Sↄlemↄ. I have two songs with my brother from Congo titled Enjoyment and Thy Will ft Aaron,” she said.
NKONKONSA.com
