Biography of Rebecca Akosua Acheampong (Becca)

BECCA

Born Rebecca Akosua Acheampomaa Acheampong, known as Becca, is a Ghanaian singer, songwriter and actress. She was born on 15th August,1984 in Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti Region, Ghana. She is the fifth born and the first girl of a family of nine children of a family of Christian faith. She is one of the multi-talented female musicians on the continent with the best vocals earning her international recognition and many achievements. She is also interested in the empowerment of women in Ghana.

Early Life

As a child prodigy, Becca showcased her talent as a singer by participating in School Talent shows as well as church activities and always came up with one of the top most prizes at all times.Each and everytime she excelled and built on her God-given talent.

She studied at Morning Star School and after she had her high school education at one of the prestigious girls' school in Ghana, precisely, Cape Coast's Wesley Girls' High School. She furthered her education in Croydon College, London. In Croydon College she studied to become a fully qualified Childcare and education worker.

Becca relocated to Ghana after several years abroad to start up something inspired by her talent.

Music Career

Becca  came into music as she qualified as a contestant in the second season of the hit singing competition, Mentor on TV3 a Ghanaian televison station. She however turned out the opportunity after qualifying into the final 12 due to certain misunderstandings between her management and the organizers of the show. and also on her personal grounds. After opting out of the competition, she started working as an upcoming solo artiste till she was signed by Kiki Banson on the EKB Records.

On EKB , she started working on her debut album, "Sugar", which made Becca a household name in the Ghanaian Music Industry in 2007. The album is made up of 12 songs which was recorded in English and her local dialect, Twi. It was preceded by the lead single "You Lied to Me". Kwabena Kwabena, the renowned Ghanaian male vocalist, had his vocals on the track. It was followed by an appropriate video which was shot in the country. Becca launched the album in Ghana on November 13, 2007. Also, Sugar was launched in South Africa alongside Hugh Masekela's Live at the Market Theatre album.
On May 16, 2013, Becca's second studio album, Time 4 Me, was released. The 20-track album was described as a musical journey inspired by thoughts, emotions and beliefs. The album includes 4 bonus tracks. It features artistes like 2face Idibia, M.I, King Ayisoba & Trigmatic, Jay and Storm Akwaboah. It was supported by the singles  "Follow the Leader", "Forever", "Bad Man Bad Girl", "No Away" and "Push". Ten thousand copies of the album were given to fans who bought the Thursday edition of Graphic Showbiz newspaper. Time 4 Me was certified 2x platinum by the Recording Industry of Ghana. Becca went on a nationwide campus tour to promote the album. On June 17,the same year. Becca released the single "Follow The Leader". On June 25, 2013, EKB Records released the music video for her song "Time 4 Me" which was shot in Yokohama and Tokyo.

Becca's 2011 single "Africa Woman" appeared as a bonus on the second album. The song is a melodic ode to the strength and character of African women. The music video for "African Woman" was shot and directed in Ghana by Samad Davis. She released the singles "Forever" and "Push" from the album. The latter features guest vocals from King Ayisoba & Trigmatic. The music video for the latter was uploaded onto YouTube on May 17, 2011. The video features appearances from John Dumelo, Yvonne Okoro and Yvonne Nelson. In February the next year, EKB Records released Becca's collaboration with 2face Idibia titled "Bad Man Bad Girl". The song was recorded in the summer of 2011. The music video for the song was shot in Accra and other parts of Ghana.

On June 22, 2012, Becca released the single "No Away". The song features rap vocals from M.I. one of Nigeria's great rappers. The song was recorded in Ghana and Nigeria; it was mixed and mastered in South Africa. The music video for the song was shot and directed in South Africa with finances from Liquor brand Kasapreko Company Limited and EKB Records. The production cost ($50,000) for the video made it one of the most expensive videos released by a Ghanaian artist.

On April 12, 2014, Becca released her single "Move". The song features vocals from South African group Uhuru. It debuted on Bola Ray's Drive Time show on Joy FM. The song, produced by Kaywa, was written by Becca and her manager. The music video for the song was uploaded onto YouTube on May 1, 2014. The video features cameo appearances from Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Hugh Masekela. 

Becca has had excelling performances at the Accra International Conference Centre for MTN's Heroes of Change television series finale. The Becca's Girl Talk concert was held at the National Theatre of Ghana.

Discography

Sugar (2007)Time 4 Me (2013)

Awards and Nominations

Awards

2008

Ghana Music Awards: Record of the Year

2010

KORA Awards: Best African Prospect Award

Ghana Music Awards: Best Vocal Performance, Record of the Year

2011

4SYTE TV Music Video Awards: Best Female Video, Overall Best Video

2012

National Youth Achievers Awards: Music

Ghana Music Awards: Best Music Video of the Year

4SYTE TV Music Video Awards: Best Female Video

Nominations

2008

KORA Awards: Best Artiste or Group, Best Artiste or Group in West Africa 

Ghana Music Awards: Discovery of the Year, Artiste of the year, Best Vocal Performance, Pop Song of the Year, Best Collaboration

2010

Ghana Music Awards: Artiste of the Year, Highlife Song of the Year

4SYTE TV Music Video Awards: Best HighLife Song, Best Storyline Video, Best Female Video, Best African Act Video

2011

City People Entertainment Awards: Ghana Female Musician of the Year

4SYTE TV Music Video Awards: Best Collaboration, Best Photography Video, Best Directed Video, Best Storyline Video

2012

Ghana Music Awards: Best Female Vocal Artiste, Afro-Pop Song of the Year, Artiste of the Year

4SYTE TV Music Video Awards: Best Photography Video, Best Collaboration Video, Overall Best Video

2013

City People Entertainment Awards: Musician of the Year (Female)

4SYTE TV Music Video Awards: Best Female Video

2014

City People Entertainment Awards:Musician of the Year (Female)

Humanitarian Work

Becca's upbringing and surroundings influenced her musical and fashion style. She has established a rescue organization which raises fund to help children affected by HIV/AIDS in Ghana.In 2014, she became a Goodwill ambassador for UNAIDS.

Endorsements

On September 1, 2009, GLO Mobile Ghana unveiled Becca as one of its brand ambassadors. The Ministry of Youth and Sports unveiled Becca as one of Ghana's official ambassadors for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.