AFTER eight years away from the spotlight, Ghanaian singer Raquel is back—this time with a new name, new music and a brand-new mindset.
The Sweetio hitmaker has rebranded as Elia-Naa, a name that symbolises a clean slate and a bold new chapter in her life and career.
In an interview on Friday, October 17, the singer opened up about life away from music, her journey and why this comeback feels different.
While fans wondered where she had disappeared to, Raquel was living a completely different life in the UK.
“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.
“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.
Faith also played a big role in her transformation. “I’ve been studying the Bible more deeply, which is very cool; it’s an amazing book of history and self-help. It’s worked for me. It has guided me through this journey of rediscovery,” she disclosed.
Now stepping back into music, Elia-Naa admits the transition won’t be instant. But she is ready to trust the process.
“I’m leaving it all to God. I’ve been away for a long time, so yes, it’s going to take a while for me to get the hang of things; there’s a lot to unlearn and relearn. But every artiste makes a mark in their own way and in God’s time.
“I choose to be a winner, even if that means my music only impacts 10 people; that’s still purpose fulfilled. Right now, I don’t have a label, it’s just me, myself and I. So, let’s see where God takes me”, she stated.
Part of that fresh start is her new identity. The name Elia-Naa carries deep personal and spiritual significance. It is a clean slate, a fresh start, marking a new chapter in her life and music career.
The “Naa” comes from her Ga name, Naa Ayorkor, meaning “princess” or “queen,” while “Elia” was inspired by a biblical reference she discovered with her cousin, Ezekiel. Her middle name, Patience, further reminds her 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”, she explained.
Although she took a step back from the limelight, Elia-Naa never completely left music. Over the years, she has had a number of songs on YouTube and other social media platforms.
“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 her 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.
Now, she’s preparing to officially relaunch her career with a new EP and sophomore album under her reborn identity. Her debut album @25 was released in 2012.
