Petra Miriam Tetteh (born 23 July), known professionally as Petrah, is a Ghanaian singer, songwriter, and performer whose name – a feminine form of Peter, from the Greek “petros,” meaning “stone” or “rock” – mirrors her resilience and artistic strength.
Discovered singing in church and now signed to Manner Records, she was born in Accra into a family of five girls and raised by a strong Christian mother whose faith and determination continue to shape Petrah’s journey. Over the years, she has earned a nomination for Best Female Vocalist at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, alongside several nods for Best Video, and has collaborated with a wide range of artists including I Octane, Shatta Wale, Samini, R2Bees, Shawn Storm, Reekado Banks, Efya, Cynthia Morgan, Ebony Reigns, Medikal, Adina, Fausto Moreno, Quamina MP, Lord Paper, and Rudebwoy Rankin, among others. Thanks to her ability to move effortlessly between genres, Petrah is often described as a “multifaceted singer,” a reputation she continues to cement with her growing discography, including two EPs and her latest release, Petrology, Vol. 3.
Your stage name, Petrah, means “stone” or “rock.” How does this meaning reflect your personality and your journey in music?
It reminds me to stay strong and grounded no matter what comes my way. I believe it has shaped me into a resilient person, solid in my purpose and unshaken in my journey through music.
You were discovered singing in church. How has your upbringing and faith influenced your music and the messages you share with your audience?
It helps me stay grounded, and that’s why a lot of my music carries messages of strength, self-worth, and empowerment, which I share with my audience
Growing up in a family of five girls with a strong mother must have shaped your perspective. How has your family background influenced your artistry and resilience?
It taught me strength, independence, and to be true to myself.
You’re known as a multifaceted singer, blending genres and styles. What inspires you to experiment musically, and how do you approach creating such diverse sounds?
I’m inspired by human emotions, interactions, and the wide spectrum of stories people carry. Every feeling or experience has its own rhythm and texture, and I love translating that into different sounds and genres.
You’ve collaborated with an impressive roster of artists across Africa and beyond. What have been some of your most memorable collaborations, and what did you learn from them?
One of my most memorable collaborations was a studio session with Shatta Wale, we actually recorded in a bedroom. That experience taught me that music isn’t about location or luxury; it’s about passion and creativity. You can create magic anywhere if the energy is right.
Congratulations on your latest EP, Petrology Vol 3! What stories or themes are you exploring with this project, and what do you hope listeners take away from it?
Petrology Vol. 3 explores themes of conscious intimacy, what I call “conscious sex” expressed through metaphor and emotion. It’s about connecting beyond the physical, where words, rhythm, and feeling intertwine. I want listeners to leave with an experience that sparks their imagination and stirs emotions they can almost feel.
As a woman in the Ghanaian music industry, what challenges have you faced, and how have you navigated them to achieve success and recognition?
One of the major challenges I’ve faced is the lack of cooperation and strong teamwork within the industry. But through resilience, consistency, and self-belief, I’ve learned to create my own path. Every obstacle became a lesson that shaped my growth and pushed me closer to the recognition I’ve earned today.
You’ve been nominated for Best Female Vocalist and several best video awards. How do these accolades impact your motivation and creative process?
Awards don’t necessarily define my motivation, but they remind me that the work is being seen and appreciated. It’s less about validation and more about momentum, but i guess it kept me going
Personal wellness and self-care are essential for artists. What routines or practices help you stay grounded and energized, both on and off stage?
Staying hydrated and consistent in prayer. Those moments of spiritual connection and self-care help me recharge, stay focused, and bring my best energy both on and off stage
For young women and aspiring musicians looking up to you, what advice would you give about pursuing a career in music and staying true to themselves?
I could tell young women and aspiring musicians to keep learning and sharpening their craft, understand the business side, and work toward financial stability. Most importantly, stay grounded, know who you are, and never lose that truth, no matter how far the journey takes you.
Looking ahead, what are your dreams and goals for the next chapter of your career? Are there any new sounds, collaborations, or projects on the horizon you’re excited about?
Petrah is full of surprises; you can never really tell what’s coming next. I love keeping my audience curious and excited, so all I’ll say is stay tuned; the next chapter will definitely be worth the wait.
