Ghanaians all over the world are excited about Shatta Wale’s upcoming virtual concert. To help deliver a captivating performance, Shatta wale has lined up a team of talented instrumentalists he’s been working with. They have been rehearsing day and night in preparation for this historic concert. Our team therefore decided to showcase the talents helping Shatta Wale.
Daniel Kwadwo Agyekum: Seperewa
Seperewa is part of the deep backstory of palm-wine and highlife music in Ghana. It began as a six-stringed bridge harp with a wooden box body and a neck like a guitar, a construction not unlike that of the Mande kora or the donson ngoni (hunter’s harp). Indeed, history indicates that the seperewa came from the northern Sahel. In one account, the first one to come to Ghana was captured by the Ashanti in a 1730 conquest and it eventually became a popular Akan village instrument. Among the notable players of this instrument is Daniel Kwadwo Agyekum.
Born and raised n Kumasi in the Ashanti region, Kwadwo prides himself as one of the few musician preserving the Akan iconic traditional music with his seperewa. Known to be an instrument played by the elderly, many have wondered how a young man his age familiarized himself with the instrument. Daniel learnt how to play seperewa from his uncle. Coming from a royal family, he played his seperewa at durbars and festivals that occurred in his town. One of the people who inspired his seperewa journey is Osei Korankye, an instructor at the university of Ghana in Legon. He is known to have thought many students, creating ensembles, and modifying the instrument.
Kwadwo Agyekum later moved from the Ashanti region to the capital Accra, where to his surprise, got many invitations to perform gigs with musicians in the city. The scarcity of seperewa players made him a force to reckon with. A few musicians he has performed with are Daddy Bosco, Black Rasta and Kweikuma cultural group. At an event held at the conference center last year, Daniel’s performance caught the attention of Shatta Wale, who was also billed to perform the night. Although he was not part of Shatta Wale’s musicians, the superstar invited him on stage during his performance to play with them. He has since been part of performing with Shatta. Many stakeholders of the Ghana music industry have praised Shatta wale in highlighting our culture in his music. Listening to his songs and watching his performances, one can attest to his uniqueness as demonstrated with the choice of instruments he uses, and the musicians shaping his sound culturally.
Kwadwo Agyekum’s talent has put him on other stages aside studio and stage performances, he has been part of talent shows like TV3 Talented Kids, as judge and mentor assisting musician. With his seperewa instrument, this champ is helping shape our music culturally and making traditional instruments relevant in todays music.
Daniel Kwasi Kpingbi: Talking Drums
The heartbeat of music is the drums. It is the core rhythmic instrument, which plays one of the most important roles of enjoying music, TEMPO. A good drummer therefore is an essential part of a band, and Shatta wale’s band has one of the best drummers in the industry.
Daniel Kwasi Kpingbi, a gifted drummer who plays talking drums has been a key member of Shatta Wale’s squad, providing the rhythmic foundation for the artist’s addictive tunes. Daniel’s expertise and enthusiasm for music have shaped Shatta Wale’s sound, making an enduring influence on the Ghanaian music landscape. He was nominated at the Eastern awards held in the Eastern region last year in the “best instrumentalist” category. His ability to switch from playing the talking drums to dancing during performances is both thrilling and exciting to watch.
Daniel’s musical career began when one Sunday in church, the drummer did not show up. He filled the vacuum and played his heart out. Although it was his first time, the congregation enjoyed it and got encouraged by most of the congregant. When he discovered he had a natural knack for rhythm and was fascinated with percussion instruments, he spent day and night practicing. He participated in some drumming competitions, which he won one to his credit with the talking drums. He learnt how to play the talking drum from his neighbourhood. During the traditional “Hausa” tribal marriage, the talking drum is the instrument used for the occasion. With a lot of that marriage ceremony-taking place in his community, he learnt from a friend and was hired to play during Hausa weddings. It was during one of the traditional weddings that he met the artist, who was an invited guest. Since their meeting, his exceptional skills and adaptability to numerous genres have made him an indispensable member of the artist’s band.
Daniel, as a talking drum player, has contributed significantly to Shatta Wale’s vibrant and dynamic sound. Shatta Wale’s music has a distinct flavour, thanks to his expertise in traditional Ghanaian talking drum instrument. Daniel’s talent and energy have fuelled Shatta Wale’s performances, leaving audiences captivated and wanting more. His commitment to his art is evident in his meticulous handling of his instruments and his relentless pursuit of innovation. He continues to push the boundaries of traditional percussion, experimenting with new techniques and sounds in order to stay ahead of the curve.
Daniel Kwasi Kpingbi’s passion, skill, and dedication have made him a valuable member of Shatta Wale’s team. With his skill and talent, he is poised to win the next award category he finds himself.
Emmanuel Ackah: Gome
Emmanuel Ackah is a Ghanaian drummer known to be exceptionally good with the gome drum. The Gome drum is a fundamental solo and ensemble drum between the Ga and Ashanti of Ghana. This drum from Africa Heartwood Project is hand crafted out of solid Odum hardwood, with a solid frame, thick cow skinhead, and floating inside frame adjusted by using a metal press. The drum is played on its side, with the drummer sitting on top, using both hands and the heels of the feet. The Gome produces thick warm tones, striking slaps, and healthy bass. It has dimensions of 20″x20″x22″.
Growing up around the coastal belt of Accra, Emmanuel did not encounter any difficulty in laying his hands on this coastal instrument. Gome is one of the instruments used around the coast during music performances. Emmanuel would transport himself to anywhere around the coast where music performance was taking place. Eventually he fell in love with the instrument and self thought himself. He became the Gome player everyone around the coast sought after. Emmanuel joined Amalelor Cultural group, a cultural group that mainly played around the coast of Accra where he played the gome. He later met Sammy Superstar who added him to his band and recorded with them.
Emmanuel Ackah contested the “Gome Kings” competition, where he placed second. The Nungua traditional council of Accra organized Gome Kings competition as part of their Homowo Festival activities. The competition brought together seasoned gome players in the region to showcase their talents. Emmanuel won second position. This shows how skilful and talented Emmanuel Ackah is. He also embarked on primary school tour where he thought school children around the coast how to play gome.
Emmanuel met Shatta wale when the artist manager was scouting players for an event in Mamprobi, a suburb of Accra. He has since been part of the artist’s musicians. Shata Wale has a few Ga songs where one can hear gome sounds in them. Emanuel is the man behind these recorded sounds.
Ibrahim Larne Tukuru: Kora
Ibrahim Larne Tukuru aka “the kora man” is a superb kora player. If you ever enjoyed that soothing melodious interlude in some of Shatta Wale’s songs, this is the man behind it. Although most of Shatta Wale’s recordings use synthetic sound, Ibrahim plays live kora in his songs.
Born in the northern region of Ghana into a family of cultural musicians, music came to Ibrahim inherently with no unforeseen challenges.. Both his father and one of his older siblings used to be part of a cultural group in the North called Walewale Ensemble. He fell in love with the kora instrument from watching his dad sing and play. His father seeing his interest, thought him the rudiments of the kora instrument. Later when he migrated to Accra in his late teens, he picked up other instruments but the kora continue to be his favourite and most loved instrument.
Having being the man behind most kora sound heard in some Ghanaian music, he found his way to work with Shatta Wale when he was invited to the studio to record “Low Tempo” song by the artist. Listening to the track, it comes, as no doubt his delivery was melodically outstanding. The music superstar witnessing Ibrahim’s talent wasted no time in making him part of his teams as a kora player. Shatta Wale in an interview with Bola Ray after the release of the track showered praises on Ibrahim for making the song relatable to Ghanaians.
It is a fact that the kora instrument is an instrument of the Northern people in Ghana. They are not only masters at playing the instrument skilfully; they also hand-make and service the instrument themselves.
Ibrahim has contributed immensely to the frenetic and melodious sound that Shatta Wale is known for. His kora melodies serve as the foundation and rhythm that propel the music; Ibrahim’s music ability and skill have propelled Shatta Wale’s concerts, keeping audiences captivated and wanting more. His commitment to his art is evident in his painstaking approach to his instrument and his never-ending search of innovation. To stay ahead of the competitive market, he keeps pushing the boundaries of traditional kora by experimenting with contemporary influences. His work has influenced a new generation of musicians, emphasizing the significance of kora in contemporary music.
Ibrahim Larne Tukuru’s expertise and passion has made him an indispensable member of Shatta Wale’s squad. His talent has influenced the cultural tone of Ghanaian music contemporarily, leaving an indelible mark on the business.
Kofi Asante: DRUMS
Growing up in a small village in Anomabo near Cape Coast in Ghana, West Africa, Kofi Asante began to play music and tour with his family’s concert band at a very early age. He has since grown to be widely recognized as one of the most phenomenal drum set players to have played his way into the heart of many music lovers. Kofi Asante’s deep groove and prodigious talent reveal a unique ability to speak to listeners with his drums, inspiring a profound spiritual conversation and fulfilling his vision to spread the music and culture of his homeland by touring a few places.
As a child, Kofi and his friends would often entertain themselves by singing and making music any way they could. Kofi Asante made drums out of metal cans, wire, and a fertilizer bag, which he used to practice for hours every day. He even built his own drum pedal using a door hinge, some string, and an old sandal. His mother and uncle were both professional singers and members of a successful touring concert band, which his uncle directed.
As he grew, so did his talent. Kofi became famous in the region as the “Magic Drummer.” Contrary to his parents’ wishes, Kofi would at times skip school just to play. On one occasion, when his band mates weren’t looking, he hid inside of the bass drum and was packed into the back of the van for a tour. When they got to the first town, the rest of the band was quite surprised to see him crawling out the bass drum. Instead of being upset, they were all happy to see him and played the show together.
He later moved to Accra and since his migration, has played with most musicians, both gospel and circular. One of the biggest artists he ever played for (and has been playing for) is Shatta wale. He keeps the rhythm together and with other members of the band, churns amazing performances.
Peter Lartey: BASS
Renowned bass guitarist Peter Nartey says playing for some top Ghanaian artists over the past few years has made him a better rhythm player.
According to Peter, working with musicians like Castro, Mzbel, Ruth,Shatta Wale, among others helped shape his talent.
The bass guitarist noted that he learned a lot playing for these top legendary musicians, especially during live sessions across the country.
“All of these music legends have had a positive impact on my career. He started playing bass guitar at a young age and was focused on playing well to match the rhythm and groove.
“But playing for these stars made me focus on the rhythm side of playing, especially during our live sessions with lots of fans in attendance,” Peter stated.
He added that his rise as a top bass guitarist was due to hard work and that he was looking forward to playing with some of the best musicians around the world.
“Bass Guitar is life; playing melodies that reflect the thoughts of people makes me happy, and I am looking forward to sharing my talent with the best around the world,” Peter said.
Peter after meeting Shatta Wale has been the bass guitarist in his team, delivery foot tapping and breath-taking performances
Richmond Boakye: Xylophone
The quest to make our music sound Ghanaian in today’s contemporary influences is partly (if not mostly) achieved by adding indigenous instruments to the music. The Ghanaian handcrafted gyli xylophone is one of the traditional instruments that enrich our music culturally. One skilful xylophonist known to play the instrument well currently is Richmond Boaky, aka Richie-Xylo.
Richmond has played xylophone across the length and breath of the music space and he is notable to have played with a few artists in Ivory Coast and Togo. His music career dates back to his childhood days in primary school. Having an uncle who made handcrafted Ghanaian instruments, inspired his affinity for xylophone. With tutelage from his uncle, Richmond became good with the instrument faster than his uncle imagined. He played so well he got featured at the national theatre of Ghana’s “Abibigroma” event, which featured children of school going age who are good at playing Ghanaian instruments. From the National Theatre, Richmond together with a few friends formed ta group called Unity 5, who were known to be a group that performs contemporary music with Ghanaian local instruments. It was during his time with the Crazy 5 group that he earned the name Richie-Xylo.
Richmond Boakye, before becoming a member of Shatta Wale’s team had played a few recordings with Ghanaian musicians like Akwaboah, Kofi kinaata and Wulomei. He has also performed a few times with Akwaboah. With his xylophone skill, he helped shaped their music sound to be culturally Ghanaian. Now with the Shatta’s band, him together with the rest of the other musicians have created a sound that is both cultural to our music and very contemporary as well. There is no way one can enjoy Shatta Wale’s music without hearing the soothing sound of the xylophone in some of his music. Richie-xylo has performed in a few recordings of Shatta Wale. Therefore for a performance to sound just as the recorded material of the artist, assembling the players is paramount to that quest.
Richmond explained that the key to hearing a good xylophone sound is tuning the instrument and using a very hard rubber, polyball or acrylic mallets, depending on he song being performed. When it comes to lighter tones, Richie-Xylo uses woodenheaded mallets.
Salifu Bashit: Djembe
Shatta Wale’s team has been greatly aided by the talented Bashiru, known in real life as Salifu Bishit, who uses his voice and the Djembe as instruments to glorify the star’s brand. Since he joined the team, he has made a significant contribution to Shatta Wale’s sound with his talent and unwavering commitment.
Salifu’s love of singing and innate skill for playing Djembe marked the beginning of his musical career. His father used to sell artefacts at the arts center in Accra. He would follow his father to the center to help with little things like, helping customers find what they are looking for and watching the shop if his father had errands to run. Next to his dad’s shop was a man who traded in traditional Ghanaian musical instruments, and that was where Bashiru eyed the Djembe instrument and eventually found himself playing it. After years of hard work and dedication, he teamed up with a group of other musicians who played at the arts centre to entertain guests patronizing the place. During these performances, they all play and sung. He eventually got into the commercial space when he first performed with Sharifa Gunnu at the national theatre during the launching of her last album.
Bashiru has since been playing for most top Ghanaian artists, including Shatta Wale.
Shatta Wale’s brand is one of the biggest in the Ghanaian music industry therefore adding one to his team means you must be exceptionally good.
Salifu Bashit was described as the musician “who plays from his soul” by legendary Ghanaian musician Amandzeba, during an interview after their performance at the “Our Home” concert held a few months ago at the Labadi beach. It therefore comes as no surprise that Shatta wale employs his services for his live performances in delivering a performance of “CULTURE.”
Bashiru is also known to vocally add colour of culture to the music. With his tribal adlibs of tradition, he further enriches their performance.
Tribal chants are cultural to the Kusaasi tribal people. During the performance of their traditional music, these chants are heard. Salifu, a son the Kusaasi tribe took that with him and has been part of is music journey. He is heard performing these chants alongside playing the Djembe.
Jembe is an instrument of the percussion family, which originated in West Africa. The instrument is made of a skin covered goblet drum with ropes tied around it. The rope is used to tune the drum and its played with bare hands. It is therefore used in most cultures across West Africa.
Yconne Odei: Background Singer & Dancer
Yvonne Odei Boadu, a brilliant singer and exceptional traditional and urban dancer, has been a key member of Shatta Wale’s crew for sometime now, providing backing vocals in some of his recordings, and when on stage, gives eye-catching dance performance for the renowned Ghanaian musician. While she is rarely in the spotlight, her contributions to Shatta Wale’s performances and recordings are invaluable.
Yvonne’s career in music began with a childhood love of singing. Although she was part of her school choir and “Balsters” (a school dance group), she developed more interest when she joined her church choir. Many might have seen her in the past on some gospel stages with artists like Moses Ok and Ohemaa Mercy. She also joined Abaase Dance Troupe and mastered the art of traditional dancing, that explains how good she is in traditional daces like Adowa, Kpanlogo and Borborbor. She improved her skills through devotion and hard effort, which finally gained the attention of one of Ghana’s biggest artist, Shatta Wale. It is worth mentioning that prior to working with Shatta Wale, she was one of the dancers seen on TV3’s “Music Music” entertainment program that aired every Saturday evening. Her outstanding vocal powers, ability to harmonize flawlessly and performing traditional and contemporary Ghanaian dances made her valuable to the ensemble.
As one of Shatta Wale’s supporting vocalist and dancer, Yvonne has significantly improved the artist’s studio recordings, music videos and live performances. Her talent and energy have helped create an amazing experience for fans and lovers of Shatta Wale, both in Ghana and around the world.
Yvonne’s versatility has enabled her to vocally adapt to a variety of genres, including reggae and dancehall, making her an important part of Shatta Wale’s eclectic sound.
Despite her accomplishments, Yvonne remains humble and committed to her craft. She continues to work relentlessly to improve her talents and support Shatta Wale’s mission. Her dedication to her role has garnered her the respect and affection of her colleagues in the industry and fans alike.
Yvonne Odei’s tale inspires budding artists, supporting vocalists and dancers. Her ability, hard work, and dedication have made her an invaluable component of Shatta Wale’s team.
Yvonne Odei’s talent and perseverance have propelled her to stardom behind the scenes. Her love of music and dedication to her profession has solidified her position as an important member of Shatta Wale’s squad. Her influence on the music industry will definitely expand and evolve as she progresses as an artist.
Ishawu Mutala: Congas/Percussion
With his distinct rhythmic approach, Ishawu Mutala, a gifted congas player and percussionist from Nima (a suburb or Accra), has been a vital member of Shatta Wale’s crew. Ishawu’s skill and enthusiasm were vital in molding Shatta Wale’s sound, making a long-lasting impression on the Ghanaian music scene.
Ishawu Mutala was born and raised in Accra, Ghana. He is known to have been a member of Adanse cultural group before migrating to work with Shatta Wale. Adanse cultural group is known for performing folk music with traditional drumming and dancing. His inclusion in the superstar’s group is very important, considering how Shatta Wale implores some aspects of traditional “juice” in his music. Ishawu;s versatility across genres and styles has made him a vital member of the team. This is because he’ is conversant with various rhythmic patterns of our traditional music. Congas and percussion we all know, have been part of the instruments featured in almost all our Ghanaian genres of music. It is therefore a symbol of tone of the instruments that characterizes our music culturally to sound Ghanaian. Ishawu’s style of play has strong roots in traditional Ghanaian music, which is influenced by contemporary rhythms.
Ishawu has made a substantial impact on Shatta Wale’s music; his congas nad percussion are heard prominently in a number of his hit tracks including songs like “Mahama Paper” and “Like My Thing.”
Ishawu’s persistent search of innovation and his meticulous handling of his instruments demonstrate his devotion to his art and career in general. His collaborations with Shatta Wale have contributed to the popularization of indigenous Ghanaian rhythms, demonstrating their continued significance in contemporary music. With western music influencing some parts of our culture, many have argued that our music will eventually loose its traditional identity, but with traditional Ghanaian instruments still playing important role in todays music, our identity wont be compromised.
Over the years, there have been many great conga players and percussionists known in the music industry, and it is of no doubt that Ishawu Mutala is on a journey to join the list. Currently in Ghana, one cannot mention ten top conga players and percussionists without adding Ishawu. He has helped shaped Shatta Wale;s music by enhancing our music identity.
Kenneth Offah: Atentenben (Flute)
The atenteben is a bamboo flute originating from Ghana. Played vertically akin to the European recorder, it possesses the capability of playing both diatonically and chromatically. Initially serving as a traditional instrument, notably in funeral processions, its usage expanded in the 20th century to encompass contemporary and classical music genres. Remarkably, numerous players have achieved considerable virtuosity, seamlessly transitioning between Western and African musical styles on the instrument and one player worth mentioning is Kenneth offah.
Kenneth was trained by one of Ghana’s great flutist, Dela Botri. Dela. Dela, known to be the best flutist in the country, has released several albums and is the founder of Hewale cultural group. Having this legend as a mentor and tutor sets one on the path to musical success. Kenneth after learning from his boss Dela, played with him at Afrikiko Lounge in Osu on Friday night and on other platforms. Kenneth is also known to have performed with Ambulley and Brekye scultural group severally. He is known to be one of the few flutists who can play all the semitones on the flute.
Kenneth and shatta Wale’s music relationship started when the two met at a concert held at the conference center a about a year ago. Shatta wale seeing how good he performed extended a business deal to him and the two has been producing magic since then. As winner of best Ghanaian woodwind instruments in 2018 at the Ghamufest Awards held in the Central Region, Kenneth has added a spice of culture to Shatta Wale’s craft. His solo works during interludes is one that is musically well constructed and speaks to the soul. Kenneth, before the end of last year was seen on stage with Amandzeba at the end of year bash held at the Ophebia lounge.
With his music skill, this talented atentenben player (flutist) adds colour to the music and sets a cultural tone to it. He has also helped trained a few young people of school going age through the “skillimprove” program introduced by the government, to help students develop their talents.
This program mostly targeted students in he villages, as a form of motiving them to pay attention to their skill and further instil a sense of culture and tradition in them.