Ghana to Honour King of Palm Wine Music, Agya Koo Nimo
President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, to organize an event to honour the King of Palm Wine Music in Ghana, Kwabena Boa-Amponsem known on stage as Agya Koo Nimo.
The decorated musician will be celebrated for his contribution to the country’s rich folklore and musical archive.
President John Dramani Mahama gave the order on May 1 while launching the Black Star Experience at Independence Square.
According to him, the leading folk musician must be celebrated before he passes.
“I hear he is alive. This is a man we must honour before he passes. Because that was a genre of music that has become a part of our musical archive and folklore.”
“For people like this, we shouldn’t wait till they die and we go and cry at their funerals. Wherever he is, Dzifa you and your team organise some ceremony and let’s honour him. He’s been honoured in the past but let’s honour him again before God calls him.”
Agya Koo Nimo, 91, has to his name albums including Ashanti Ballads (1968), Osabarima (1990, re-issued 2000), Tete Wobi Ka (2000) and Highlife Roots Revival (2012, Riverboat Records).
He has received numerous awards including the Asanteman Award from Asantehene; an honorary life member of the International Association for the Study of Popular Music; gold medals from Ghana; and a Lifetime Achievement Award by the UEW Music Department.
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
