Nana Kwame Ampadu
For three decades or so, one name straddled the country’s music landscape, his songs serving the needs of social activities.
It was inconceivable to attend a party or other social activities bereft of one of the many compositions from Nana Kwame Ampadu.
Paa Steele, as he was fondly called by his many fans, exited the stage of life after serving out his God-ordained lifespan last Tuesday. Like other players on earth, he too has finally taken a bow to join his ancestors.
Like others who made their mark in various endeavours of life, his was in the area of music; his contribution in that realm so spectacular he too has booked a place in the country’s hall of fame.
Doing things well with all our hearts is rewarding. This adage is underscored by the splendid life of the late Nana Kwame Ampadu.
Through the strings of his lead guitar, his vocals, and lyrics which he personally composed, he too has joined without dispute the country’s hall of fame.
Until a few years ago when his health began to wane in quality, he straddled the music and general landscape of the country like a Colossus.
For Nana Ampadu, the founder of African Brothers Band, the day is over as he joins his ancestors after playing his part with his music very well in style.
Those in their mid-60s can easily recall the story-like lyrics which gave the deceased a special place on the music map of the country.
The philosophy and culture packed compositions from the African Brothers Band resonated even outside the confines of Ghana.
When the ET Mensahs, King Bruce and others ended their commanding positions on the musical ambience, it was Nana Ampadu who took over.
His role in propagating social campaigns for the state and even politicians enhanced his status not only on the music map but outside it.
The Osofo Dadzie Concert Party, a flagship of the social programmes of the state TV used one of his compositions, ‘Obra’ for its signature tunes.
The projection of the image of the country is not restricted to the remit of politics but in others such as music.
It is for this reason we think that Nana Ampadu deserves a state burial. Other Ghanaians playing their parts in sports and others and doing so brilliantly must be recognised so others would be encouraged to follow in their tracks.
Nana Ampadu was not selfish. Others learnt from him and would definitely carry on from where he left as a lead guitarist and composer.
Even if beneficiaries of his talent might not be imbued with his outstanding attributes to glow as much as he did, they would nonetheless fill the vacuum his exit has created.
Only an icon in his heyday could compose songs to reflect the mood of the country.
He has gone but ‘Ebi Ti Yie’, ‘Obra’, ‘Aku Sika’, ‘Agartha’ and others too many to capture in such a limited space will live on as occupants of our country’s rich music archive.