Pallbearers carrying the casket
The mortal remains of the late Ebony Reigns was laid to rest last Saturday at the Osu cemetery in Accra.
The final funeral rites of the late artiste which was held at the forecourt of the State House attracted thousands of music fans from all walks of life.
These included a number of Ghanaian and foreign artistes, members of the clergy, a delegation from the previous and current government, as well as stakeholders in the music industry.
Also in attendance were Chief of Staff Frema Osei Opare, the National Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party, Sammy Awuku, the Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Catherine Afeku and former Chief of Staff Julius Debrah.
Amakye Dede, Kofi Adjorlolo, Bukom Banku, Wanlov Kubolor, Nicholas Omane Acheampong, M.anifest, Ayesem, Edem, Stonebwoy, Samini, Abeiku Santana, Grace Omaboe, Maame Dokono, Akosua Agyapong, Rex Omar, Gyadu-Blay Ambulley, among others, were also at the funeral.
The ‘Maame Hw?’ scarf and spectacles were the order of the day, as many tried to project how influential Ebony was when she was alive.
Business activities boomed for traders, who were seen selling items such as calendars, books, handkerchiefs, among other products, that bore images of Ebony.
The burial ceremony kicked off with a traditional music and dance performance from the Amamere Folk Music & Dance Ensemble, a Pan-African dance company based in Accra.
The group performed Akan traditional music and dances, ranging from ‘kete’, ‘adowa’ to ‘fontomfrom’.
Students from the late Ebony’s alma mater, Mamfe Methodist High School, also did a rendition of Ebony’s popular songs with the brass band to bid their departed friend farewell.
The late Ebony’s manager, family and MUSIGA’s president Obour, among others, took turns to read their tributes at the ceremony which was officiated by Dr Lawrence Tetteh, leader and founder of the World Outreach Ministries.
Obuor, in his tribute, said Ebony lived a fulfilling life, brightening her corner.
According to him, Ebony made a huge impact on the Ghanaian music scene during her three years in the music scene.
“She was enthusiastic about talent development and in our various engagements with her. Her concern for the development of the music industry was clear,” he revealed.
On his part, Ricky Nana Agyeman, also known in the music scene as Bullet, stated that Ebony was a committed Christian who occasionally had prayer sessions with prophets and Christian leaders.
He mentioned that Ebony worshipped anytime she had the opportunity at the Golden Centre Church in Madina.
“She showed dexterity in her performance and created a brand that was unique to her – the 90s Bad Gyal brand. She was business conscious and never toyed with her appointments, either to the recording studio, performing stage or even radio and television interviews,” Bullet added.
He indicated that Ebony was kind, respectful and a philanthropist, adding that she occasionally went to orphanages to donate, adding that there were a number of persons that she helped financially.
In his sermon, Dr Lawrence Tetteh said, “It is very sad that somebody’s daughter is dead and some of you (artistes) are using it to score popularity points. We should not take advantage of somebody’s death. We will all die one day.”
He, therefore, cautioned celebrities, particularly artistes, to desist from using the death of Ebony to achieve fame.
Speaking on the topic: ‘Time Is So Short’, the man of God advised celebrities to give their lives to Jesus Christ, stating that if they abide in God, they will be saved even in bad times.
He, however, declared that celebrities who have not given their lives to God are not being wise.
Ebony died on February 8 after she was involved in a gory accident on the Kumasi–Sunyani road when she was returning to Accra from Sunyani.
Her friend, Franky Kuri, and a military man, Atsu Vondee, who is said to be her bodyguard, on board a Jeep from Sunyani also died in the head-on collision with a VIP bus heading towards Sunyani from Kumasi.
By George Clifford Owusu