Y’akoto

Jennifer Yaa Akoto Kieck (born 1988), known professionally as Y'akoto, is a German–Ghanaian singer and songwriter whose music blends neo-soul, blues, ambient pop, and Afrobeats. Her first two albums, Babyblues and Moody Blues (2014), both entered the Top 20 on the German Albums Chart, and she has received two nominations for Germany's Echo Award.

Early life and education Y'akoto was born in Hamburg, Germany, to a Ghanaian father, a highlife musician, and a German mother. She spent much of her childhood in West Africa, living in Ghana, Cameroon, Chad, and Togo before returning to Hamburg at the age of 11. During this time, she began singing and learning to play the piano. She signed with Warner Music and released her debut album, Babyblues, in March 2012.

Her second album, Moody Blues, was released in 2014 and debuted at number 11 on the German charts.

In 2017 she released her third album, Mermaid Blues, which blended blues, neo-soul, and pop. In 2022–2023, she collaborated with Los Angeles-based producer Nabeyin and Ghanaian rapper Jay Bahd on the singles "Secret" and "WMYT (What Made You Think)".

Her fourth studio album, Part 4: The Witch, was released in July 2024. The album featured collaborations with Nabeyin and U.S. hip-hop artist REASON and incorporated pop and Afrobeats styles.

Discography Studio albums Babyblues (2012) Moody Blues (2014) Mermaid Blues (2017) Part 4: The Witch (2024)

EPs Obaa Yaa (2020)

Awards and recognition Y'akoto has twice been nominated for the Echo Award for Best National Rock/Pop Female Artist, first in 2013 and again in 2015.