Taiko Band
As part of the celebrations of 60 years of friendship and diplomatic relations between Ghana and Japan, the Embassy of Japan has lined up a series of activities to grace the occasion.
On the bill will be the musical performance by Japanese musical giants, Taiko Band, on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at the National Theatre from 6:00 to 8:00pm.
The event will be held again on the October 20 at the Alliance Française from 7:00 to 9:00pm. The band is led by Joji Hirota, a multi percussionist, drummer and a singer with over 30 years of experience, and he is credited with over 16 albums to his credit.
Joji Hirota’s contribution to Japanese culture overseas throughout his musical rendition received commendation and recognition from the UK Japanese Embassy from Ambassador Orita in 2003.
He uses his group to perform charity concerts to support disaster affected areas in the world, notable amongst them was the earthquake disaster of 2011.
The Taiko Band will be collaborating with the Ghana Drum Company of the National Dance Ensemble, which was established at the Institute of African Studies under the directorship of Professor J.H Nketsia.
The locally-based drumming ensembles are highly accomplished and can play a variety of instruments from all the 10 regions of the country.
Some of the favourite songs the Taiko Band are expected to play include ‘Koriko Bushi, ‘Haru Ichiban’, ‘Chido Setsu’, ‘Akita Ondo’, among others.
The event which is expected to be free at the gates will be graced by Minister of Tourism & Creative Arts, Madam Catherine Afeku, and it is organised by the Embassy of Japan in Ghana and the Japan Foundation.