Hugh-Masekela
History has maintained that African is not only the cradle of civilisation, but also the home of authentic traditional music.
Sadly, the continent scarcely celebrates its music legends and it is for this reason that the ‘African Legends Night’, an annual event held in Ghana to celebrate past and living legends in music is worth writing home about.
It is an inspiring and enviable concept put together by Global Media Alliance, (GMA) and this year will be the fifth edition of such celebration of African music legends in style.
Amakye Dede
African Legends Night has hosted South Africa’s Hugh Masekela, Femi Kuti of Nigeria, Freddy Meiway of Ivory Coast supported, by their Ghanaian counterparts Amakye Dede, Ben Brako, Ofie Kodjoe and George Darko – have graced this event.
There is never a dull moment at this event; performances and attendance have been thrilling beyond measure.
Ben Brako
The event has carved a niche that brings together people who have a soft spot for the best of African music, making it arguably the best music event in the country.
Each year, the event attracts thousands of African music lovers to the nation’s Banquet Hall, State House in Ghana’s capital, Accra, where they are thrilled with soothing, exciting and danceable African tunes.
Femi Kuti
“We believe in African talent, and music forms a key part. It is for this reason that we at Global Media Alliance (GMA) celebrate the originality and rhythms from the continent with authentic music. With African Legends Night, we honour musicians who have put Africa’s rich culture and heritage in the global space,” Edwin Amankwah, Director at GGMA, organisers of the event, said.
“African Legends Night is a big platform for us musicians who project the image of Africa in a positive light. It was the first time I performed with my full band in Ghana and I can say we gave the audience a memorable night. I must come back someday,” Ivorian music megastar Freddy Meiway, the headline artiste for the 2015 edition, added.
Freddy Meiway and Dancers on Stage
Already, there is a growing suspense and anxiety over the 2016 edition with dramatic speculations and wild guessing on which African music legend would headline the performance.
African music is distinct. The inspiration behind a song when it is being put together to influence or make an impact in society is exceptional.
One can testify that the influence of African music, both in past and present, has gone beyond the shores of the world’s richest continent.
Some believe that although African American music is widely known and loved, and by which popular American music such as rock & roll, hip-hop and folk music emerged from, ‘White’ American music is said to have strong roots from Africa.
In modern times, we continue to enjoy songs from the likes of the Osibisa Band, Mory Kante, Salif Keita, Amakye Dede, Youssou Ndour, Angelique Kidjo, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Ebo Taylor and many others. These artistes and many others compose music that can run through the human spine to move not only our bodies, but also our souls.
We must continue to celebrate these musicians by giving them a platform to perform and share with lovers of good music.