AB Crentsil to "kill a fowl" over Lifetime Achievement Award

How else can one explain the old man’s response after being honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award in the music industry at the 17th Vodafone Ghana Music Awards on Saturday night?

AB would wax his old funny self after receiving the plaque for his award, which goes with a cheque for GH¢5,000. He simply lifted the plaque, thanked everybody and added, “oh la laa! Tomorrow I’m going to kill fowl,” to wit he would celebrate the recognition, as though he needed one to confirm his status.

He has always been celebrating one good recognition or the other, or he would be engaged in creating fun for the comfort of his fans, as his music bear out.

A recipient of the Fontomfrom Evergreen Award, AB was only recently celebrated as a music legend at the 2013 MTN Legends and Legacy Ball held at the Accra International Conference Centre. On that occasion he remonstrated that his contribution to Ghana music was receiving a late recognition. At least that is what he told The Mirror.

Born some 73 years ago, the Highlife Legend’s place in the music industry has never been in doubt, having churned out some 25 or so albums laced with humorous lyrics that have sometimes even counted for controversy. What of Moses, Atia, Osookoo, Devil, Adwoa, Angelina, Juliana, Srobom and the many others.

On the phone Monday afternoon, an obviously happy AB Crentsil, full of laughter, recalled his promise to kill a fowl while on stage but said it was only ‘agrƆ’ (a joke) and that when the time really comes for the party, why not, it must happen even if just before he goes to his grave.

“That was a lifetime achievement, the greatest in my music career and I take that as the highest recognition,” he told Graphic Online, before turning to ask if there was any bigger recognition that he might look up to.

“I am really happy,” he said still laughing as we said our goodbyes.