Ghanaian filmmaker, musician and media personality Akua Onyamepe Opoku-Agyemang, popularly known as Kween Naba, is setting her sights on the international stage, with ambitions of taking her creative career to Hollywood and Netflix while building opportunities for emerging talents in Ghana's entertainment industry.

The multidisciplinary creative, who also works as an actress, casting director, creative director, entrepreneur and acting coach, has built a career across music, film, television and talent development.

Originally from Agric Nwamse in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Kween Naba grew up in Odorkor Official Town, Accra. Her interest in entertainment began during childhood, when she would sneak around to watch concert parties and television programmes, eventually developing a passion for performing and storytelling.

Her journey started with music, particularly singing in her mother's church. She later joined Born Stars on Viasat One, received training from veteran musician Paulina Oduro, and emerged as runner-up in MTN Hitmaker Season 3.

In 2013, she performed as the opening act for Becca's Girl Talk show, an experience she describes as an important turning point in her confidence as a performer.

She subsequently worked as a backing vocalist for several Ghanaian artistes, including Sarkodie, Becca, Wutah, Bessa Simons, Oheneba Kissi and Paulina Oduro.

Her acting journey also saw her work with industry professionals such as David Owusu and Ruffy Samuels through Funworld, alongside appearances in DStv series and Dr. Likee skits. She has also been associated with productions from Farmhouse, Inspector Bediako, House of Klu and Kiwi Production.

Over time, Kween Naba expanded her involvement in the film industry, moving beyond acting into screenwriting, directing, casting, costume, art direction and production coordination.

One of her strongest motivations for becoming involved in talent development stems from a difficult experience during her teenage years. She disclosed that she experienced sexual exploitation by someone she considered a mentor when she was around 15 or 16. Having also witnessed other young women experience similar treatment, she became determined to help create an environment where emerging creatives could access opportunities based on their abilities rather than sexual favours.

This experience influenced her decision to establish platforms that support and develop talent.

She is the founder of Kweendom Casting and CastAfrik.com, while also running Thespian Academy Ghana, through which she has trained more than 200 actors. Her work is focused on helping upcoming performers develop their skills, gain practical experience and find opportunities within the industry.

She has also established Kweendom TV and Kweendom TV Studios, providing platforms for media conversations, creative expression and practical training for her students.

Kween Naba says one of her greatest rewards is watching people she has trained, mentored or worked with grow into confident creatives.

Her musical identity, meanwhile, combines international pop influences with African cultural elements. Inspired by artistes such as Beyoncé, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Paulina Oduro and Jamaican dancehall star Spice, she hopes to create music that connects with international audiences while maintaining its African roots.

She has released an EP titled Like Play, available on music streaming platforms under the name Kween Naba.


Beyond her creative achievements, she has been outspoken about some of the challenges women face in the entertainment industry, including sexual exploitation, gender stereotypes and assumptions about marriage and motherhood.

She also believes that conventional beauty standards can influence opportunities in the music industry, recalling that she sometimes felt she missed out on a major music deal because she did not fit certain industry expectations.

Despite these experiences, she maintains that talent, professionalism and competence should determine opportunities.

Her current projects include directing another commercial with the Mitch Brothers and writing an 18-episode series titled 'Belity' for Dr. Likee's YouTube channel, inspired by the Porials Pitch advert.

She is also preparing to shoot two short films with students from Thespian Academy Ghana and is handling casting for Accra Stay by Plan.

Through Kweendom TV, she is developing more programmes, including' Penpenaa', which will explore social issues, marriage, relationships and everyday conversations, and 'Between Us', which will focus on intimacy, sexuality and adult conversations.

Another upcoming production is a reality dating show titled 'Kiss to Determine', which will explore how participants establish potential romantic connections through kissing before making their choices.

Kween Naba also plans to expand acting masterclasses, casting opportunities and professional training through CastAfrik, while considering another music EP in 2027.

Her ambitions extend beyond the entertainment industry. She has gained admission to the University of Ghana for a Master's degree in Theatre Arts and hopes to pursue a PhD before eventually becoming a qualified lecturer.

She also has plans to establish a world-class film studio and film village called 'The Kingdom'. The proposed creative hub would bring together film production, casting and actor training, providing a space where emerging talents can be discovered, developed and equipped to produce international-standard work.

Asked where she sees herself in the next five years, her response was straightforward: "Hollywood. Netflix."

She hopes to work on bigger productions, tell stories that reach international audiences and establish herself as a recognised creative force beyond Ghana.

Despite managing several professional responsibilities, Kween Naba says she has no intention of abandoning any of her creative interests. Her approach to managing music, filmmaking and media is simple: scheduling and proper organisation.

She describes creativity as a gift from God that she has turned into a profession, insisting that her work is about more than personal success.

When asked how she would like to be remembered, she chose the description "The Creative Goddess", a woman who created, inspired, built opportunities, nurtured talent and left an unforgettable mark on the creative industry.

For more on Kween Naba's personal journey, experiences in the entertainment industry, career milestones and creative ambitions, Read the full article on TrenderHQ