Born Adrien Amponsah, Queen Drie reveals her story in the space where music and soul collide, with each note representing a secret that she shares with the world. Her story, which is rife with vulnerability and rhythm, blossoms into a masterpiece of fortitude and inventiveness as she takes center stage. A unique story of a journey that began not with childhood dreams of stardom but with divine intervention, a life raft thrown to her amid the drowning waves of existence.
Music is different to everyone, even to those who make it and for Drie, music is just as distinct as the universe. Speaking to Yfmghana in the latest edition of the Y-Radar, she muses as she provides a window into her soulful perspective on the essence of music.
“I like to think of music as the rhythm created by instruments. Clapping, snapping, stomping, the trickling of water – it’s all subjective, you know?”
Queen Drie explores the origins of her music in the haven of her imagination. There was no childhood piano tinkling or youthful dreams of stardom; instead, her journey felt more like a calling, a divine whisper guiding her towards the realm of melodies, she recounts. “It’s strange to explain to those who weren’t there for it, but I was drowning, and God threw me a life raft”.
Family, for Queen Drie, is not just a word; it’s the heartbeat of her originality. Growing up in a tight-knit, single-parent household, she finds inspiration in the closeness shares with her family.
“My family means the world to me, and they inspire a lot of my work because they’ve seen the real me”. Her musical storylines are shaped by the honesty found in her vulnerability, which becomes the muse in the haven of familial relationships.
February 2020 marked a poignant chapter in Queen Drie’s musical trek with the release of “Testimony,” a song that serves as a testament to her authenticity. “It was the first diary entry,” she reveals, peeling back layers of her life with candour.
The song delves into personal truths – being raised by a single mother, facing ridicule from supposed friends – unveiling a vision that transcends music, touching on breaking free from limitations and societal expectations.
Her music isn’t a mere assortment of notes but a courageous exploration of mental health, love, and spirituality. Diagnosed with chronic PTSD, depression, and panic disorder, Queen Drie transparently shares her struggles. “I share this with people because I need them to understand that their scars don’t scare me”.
Balancing the complexities of being a Psychology student at the renowned University of Chicago and a blossoming musical artist, Queen Drie finds a unique harmony. “I aim for a sound that receives you,” she explains, integrating academic insights into her creative process. The intricate dance between biology and beats finds expression in her music, creating an immersive experience that engages the mind, body, and spirit.
The way, Queen Drie’s music skillfully combines genres like Hip-Hop, Afrobeats, and R&B is a reflection of her varied sociocultural upbringing. Her early years in Ghana and her present life in Chicago come together in a distinctive sound that embodies the vitality of both places. It’s an aural tour of her experiences growing up in the diaspora, a celebration of harmony and diversity.
Unfettered by genre constraints, Queen Drie embraces a fusion of sounds. “I have no regard for genres,” she asserts. Her eclectic music palette borrows sounds from diverse sources, epitomizing the rich cultural tapestry of Africa.
Growing up in Ghana and moving to Chicago, Queen Drie unifies her diasporan experiences. She draws inspiration from Ghanaian musical icons like Sarkodie, blending their influence into her unique sound.
Described as a combination of sassiness, intelligence, eloquence, and rebellion, Queen Drie’s talent mirrors her personality. “I want to contribute a discography that is entirely me, not echoes of another artist or industry,” she asserts, revealing a rebellious spirit that breathes life into her creative process.
Each song from Queen Drie’s repertoire is a journey – a traverse through calm melodies and energetic tracks. Her creative process involves spontaneous experimentation, a dance with the unexpected. The mood and message of each song emerge organically, rooted in her lived experiences.
Despite her relatively recent foray into the music industry, Queen Drie’s music transcends borders, resonating in several countries. “It’s a gift to present someone with something unfamiliar yet have them recognize it as music,” she reflects, acknowledging the power of her unique voice in the subjective realm of music.
Live performances hold greater significance for Queen Drie than just a mere stage. She hopes to become an even better performer, having opened for Tiwa Savage, sharing the stage with well-known performers. Her best gig, supporting Tiwa Savage, turns into a moment that honours the King of Pop’s legacy of bringing heart to every performance.
In the symphony of Queen Drie’s life, each note is a revelation, and each melody is an invitation to connect, to understand, and to embark on a journey of self-discovery through the intimate cadence of her music.
“I am still learning things about myself,” she shares, offering a glimpse into the spontaneity she brings to her upcoming EP. With plans to experience Detty December in 2024 and a meticulous approach to headlining her show, she paves the way for the next chapter in her harmonic journey.
Meanwhile Queen Drie has wrapped up the year with some sensational music releases including her recent two-music project, “HER,” Catch up and stream some good music here:
