Sista Afia is not your average hitmaker. She’s an artist who has fought—not just for airplay or awards—but for something more fundamental: respect.
From dodging bottles thrown from crowds to handing out free verses to emerging talent, Francesca Duncan Williams, known across Ghana and beyond as Sista Afia, has never taken the easy road. She's bold, spiritual, honest, and intent on leaving her mark in an industry that hasn’t always given her the recognition she deserves.
In a recent live interview on Hitz FM, the “Jeje” singer pulled back the curtain with refreshing honesty. No media spin. No script. Just Sista Afia being herself.
Performing Through the Chaos
The glamour of performing can be deceiving. For Sista Afia, it hasn’t always been cheers and confetti.
“Somebody will throw water at you. Somebody will throw sand,” she said during the interview, recounting some of her early stage experiences. “It’s happened.”
It’s not uncommon for performers—especially women—to face disrespect on stage, but few speak about it as plainly as she does. “Sometimes you never know the crowd you're going to meet,” she added. That unpredictability is part of the job.
What’s clear, though, is that Sista Afia doesn’t scare easily. She leans on prayer, trusts her instincts, and when necessary, walks away with her dignity intact.
Behind the Kweku Paluta Incident
One of the more talked-about moments she touched on was a performance by rapper Kweku Paluta in the UK, where crowd members began verbally attacking him mid-performance.
“I heard them,” Sista Afia said. “He kept performing and stayed professional. But the insults kept coming. Eventually, it got to him—and I understand.”
Her response wasn’t criticism, but compassion. She was there, she saw how it unfolded, and she tried to calm him down afterward. “He was super angry,” she recalled. “I just told him to calm down. It happens.”
It was a reminder that artists, no matter how big their name, are still human beings navigating intense pressure and real-time judgment.
A Cold Shoulder From the Industry
Despite being one of the more consistent voices in Ghanaian music, Sista Afia says support from within the industry has been lukewarm at best.
She’s the type to show up, even when she’s unwell. In fact, one radio host recalled her arriving at a gig straight from the hospital. “I support people,” she said. “Even the ones I’m not cool with.”
But it hasn’t always gone both ways.
“They don’t really support me,” she admitted. “Not the whole masses. No.”
She did, however, give credit to those who do: Medikal, Wendy Shay, Sepha, and Noturn. “Now, I support who supports me,” she added—not from bitterness, but from boundaries.
Giving Without Expectations
Another side to Sista Afia’s story is her quiet generosity. She’s known to offer free features to rising artists whose sound she believes in.
One recent example is Superi, a young TikTok artist keeping the highlife sound alive. “I loved her vibe, so I gave her a verse,” Sista Afia shared. No PR campaign. No strings attached.
“If I love the music,” she said, “I’ll do it.”
New Music, Same Confidence
Her latest single, “Chill”, is produced by Kendi Beats—the same award-winning producer behind major Ghanaian hits. The song is smooth, catchy, and exactly what you’d expect from an artist in her element.
“It’s picking up,” she noted. “But I know my solo songs take time. And that’s okay. It’s happening for a reason.”
There’s no rush in her tone. Sista Afia knows who she is. She’s not chasing trends. She’s building something with longevity.
Faith, Food & A Bit of Flirting
Of course, no Sista Afia interview is complete without a little fun. When asked about her personal life, she offered just enough to tease—but kept the rest off the record.
Yes, she’s “talking to someone.” Yes, she cooks for him. Has he spent the night? “Probably. Maybe. Don’t press too hard.”
She also revealed that she draws lyrical inspiration from the Bible and attends church occasionally, although not every Sunday. “That’s where I get some of my lyrics,” she said.
It’s a softer, often overlooked side of the artist—quiet faith fueling bold creativity.
What’s Next?
With her birthday approaching, Sista Afia is planning a pajama-themed house party—invite-only, of course. It’s very on-brand: intimate, stylish, and no drama.
Professionally, she’s looking to rework an old collaboration with Stonebwoy, and continues to build with longtime allies like WillisBeatz and Singlet.
As for new collaborations? She’s open.
“Sometimes, you don’t even have to pay anything,” she said. “If I love it, I’ll do it.”
A Legacy In Progress
Sista Afia doesn’t scream for attention. She doesn’t chase validation. But her presence is undeniable. She remembers who stood by her, but she never begs for support.
She laughs easily, speaks her mind, and never pretends to be anything other than who she is.
And maybe that’s why people misunderstand her. Maybe that’s why she’ll outlast most of them.
Because Sista Afia isn’t just making music. She’s making a mark.
Stream “Chill” and “Babyia” now on all major platforms.
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