Adina Thembi Ndamse, popularly known as Adina, is a Ghanaian-South African singer, songwriter, actress and model. She is recognised for her soulful voice and her blend of Afropop, highlife, R&B and dancehall. She rose to fame after winning Ghana’s music reality show Stars of the Future in 2008.
Profile Summary
| Full name | Adina Thembi Ndamse |
| Stage name | Adina |
| Date of birth | 3 October 1989 |
| Place of birth | Liberia |
| Nationality | Ghanaian-South African |
| State or region of origin | Ajumako Kromaim, Central Region, Ghana |
| Partner | N/A |
| Children | N/A |
| Occupations | Singer, songwriter, actress and model |
| Record labels | EKB Records, New African Movement and Lynx Entertainment |
| Estimated net worth | Approximately US$1.2 million |
Early Life and Education
Adina was born in Liberia on 3 October 1989 to a South African father and a Ghanaian mother. Because of the Liberian civil war, she moved to Ghana with her mother while she was still young and was raised there.
She attended Wesley Girls’ High School before studying Environmental and Development Studies at Central University in Accra. She graduated in 2012, although her passion for music eventually led her to pursue a professional singing career.
Career
Rise to Fame
Adina’s professional breakthrough came in 2008 when she entered and won Stars of the Future, one of Ghana’s leading music reality competitions at the time. Winning the show gave her national exposure and helped her secure opportunities within Ghana’s music industry.
Following the competition, she continued working on her sound and releasing music. Her early work established her as a promising vocalist, while her later songs helped her become one of Ghana’s better-known female recording artists.
Music Career
Adina’s music often focuses on love, heartbreak, self-confidence and personal growth. Her style combines modern African pop with highlife, R&B and dancehall elements, allowing her to appeal to both Ghanaian and international audiences.
Some of her popular songs include “Too Late,” “Makoma,” “Why,” “Killing Me Softly,” “Take Care of You,” “On My Way,” “Sika,” and “Party.”
After winning Stars of the Future, Adina was linked to EKB Records, where she released some of her early work. She later worked with the New African Movement before signing with Lynx Entertainment in 2022.
In 2020, Adina released her debut album, Araba. The album became an important milestone in her career and was named Album of the Year at the 2021 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards.
In 2022, she released “Hallelujah,” her first single under Lynx Entertainment. Her association with the label further expanded her visibility within Ghana’s music industry.
Acting and Modelling
Although music remains her main profession, Adina has also explored acting and modelling. She appeared in the Ghanaian musical romantic-comedy film Sugar, released in 2019.
Her involvement in film and fashion has added to her image as a versatile entertainer, although singing continues to be the central focus of her career.
Personal Life
Adina has maintained a relatively private personal life. She occasionally discusses her family, background and career in interviews, but she has not made extensive details about her romantic life public.
Adina was born in Liberia to a South African father and Ghanaian mother, raised in Ghana and later built her career in the Ghanaian entertainment industry. Her multicultural background and childhood experiences have influenced both her identity and her music.
Net Worth
Adina’s net worth is estimated at about US$1.2 million. Her income is believed to come from music sales, streaming royalties, live performances, songwriting, endorsements, brand partnerships and acting.
Discography
Selected Songs
- “Don’t Judge Me”
- “Too Late”
- “Makoma”
- “Why”
- “Killing Me Softly”
- “Take Care of You”
- “On My Way”
- “Sika”
- “Party”
- “Adidede”
- “Conquer”
- “Hallelujah”
Album
Araba
Adina released her debut studio album, Araba, in 2020. The project reflects her growth as a vocalist and songwriter, with songs exploring love, heartbreak, confidence and emotional strength.
The album received considerable attention in Ghana and won Album of the Year at the 2021 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards.
Filmography
| Year | Film | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Sugar | Actress and musical performer |
Adina has appeared in only a small number of film projects compared with her music releases. Acting remains an additional part of her entertainment career rather than her primary profession.
Awards and Nominations
Adina has received several awards and nominations throughout her career. Her notable achievements include:
- Winner of Stars of the Future in 2008.
- Winner of Record of the Year at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards for “Too Late.”
- Winner of Female Vocalist of the Year at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards.
- Winner of Best Female Vocalist at the Ghana Music Awards UK.
- Winner of Music Woman of the Year at the 3Music Awards.
- Winner of Best Dressed Female Celebrity at the FashionGHANA.com Honours and Awards.
- Winner of Album of the Year for Araba at the 2021 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards.
- Winner of Best Reggae-Dancehall Song of the Year at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards.
- Winner of Reggae-Dancehall Song of the Year at the 3Music Awards.
- Recognition among Ghana’s most influential women in music.
- Nominations for Artiste of the Year, Best Female Artiste and Afrobeats or Afropop categories.
Adina’s victory at Stars of the Future, the success of “Too Late” and the award-winning performance of Araba remain some of the defining achievements of her career. Through her vocal talent, versatility and consistent work, she has continued to maintain a strong presence in Ghana’s contemporary music scene.
