Efeee Noko performing at the Republic Spirit event
It was December 29, 2021 and one of the Republic Spirit’s end-of-year activities had kicked off with the Efeee Noko traditional band at the Untamed Empire venue near the Action Chapel on the Spintex Road.
Efeee Noko was the first act on the bill that included performers like Darko Vibes, Kofi Jamar, Sena, Epixode, Yaa Pono, Feli Nuna, Camidoh, Dark Suburb and Pure Akan.
As the captivating rhythms permeated the atmosphere with master drummer and leader, Richmond Otu Laryea in full control, the band knew they were playing and dancing their way into a new year of fresh challenges and conquests.
“Every member was on fire at the Republic Spirit gig,” said Laryea, adding “We were literally telling everyone, through the enthusiasm on stage, that it had been a good year for us and we were looking forward to another great one.”
Last year was a fairly busy one for Efeee Noko. They performed at functions such as Kejefair at Legon in Accra which drew participants involved with beauty, food, entertainment and consumer goods.
The group was also in action at some of the Ga-Dangme Homecoming activities and featured at the final show of the Naa Ga-Dangme pageant on TV Africa.
Efeee Noko also got busy during the Farmers’ Day Celebration at Nungua in Accra apart from appearances at some corporate and private events.
“It was an eventful year for us. We trust there are even better prospects on the horizon for us this year. We are poised to achieve more and get known by wider sections of our society,” Laryea said.
One of the routes Efeee Noko will go this year to reach out to more music lovers is the hosting of a festival of prominent traditional bands in the Greater Accra Region at Nungua by the end of March.
“Our key aim is to help consolidate the creativity and influence of traditional bands in our region,” Laryea pointed out, adding “Sometimes we need to organise and do things for ourselves. That’s an important way to move forward.”
As more and more traditional bands hone their skills and project their talents to bigger audiences, the members of Efeee Noko trust they will continue to be among the principal players in the game.
By George Clifford Owusu