Author talks about his subject
There’s a reason Mr E. Obeng-Amoako Edwards, author of ‘’Six Strings and a Note, Legendary Agya Koo Nimo in His Own Words’’ likes to talk about how he met the subject of the book at any given opportunity.
He mentioned the issue at the launch of the book in Kumasi and Accra on September 8 and September 10 respectively. At a concert by Agya Koo Nimo at the +233 Jazz Bar and Grill at North Ridge in Accra last Sunday, the writer came back to the topic.
According to Mr Edwards, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, who lives in Texas, United States and Accra, his first personal encounter with the 85-year-old accomplished musician was at a performance in Houston, Texas.
“The Ghanaians there were doing everything else except pay attention. Children were running around, parents were throwing things and screaming. It was incredibly disappointing and saddening.
“Interestingly enough, the non-Ghanaians were fixated on everything Agya Koo Nimo said due to his way of explaining what his songs are about before playing them. They were fascinated but the Ghanaians didn’t seem to care.”
Mr Edwards felt that was a good moment to get close to the musician and find out what makes him tick. After a series of conversations, the book project took off to unravel the personality of a great man.
“There is so much we have here by way of our culture, our people and our country. If we don’t take the time to cherish these things, chances are nobody will do it for us. If we don’t embrace our history and our heroes, there is no telling if we will ever find a future to go to,” Mr Edwards said.
The 315-page-book is a captivating portrait of the creative guitarist, composer and singer from Foase, a small village in the Ashanti Region. It took four years to complete and is a useful foray into the philosophy and psychology behind Agya Koo Nimo’s music.
The author described him as a patriot fully aware of his culture and place in it. He said he didn’t want to wait till the man was no longer with us before going to people who knew him to help put his life’s story together.
“I have learned a whole lot from him, not just as a musician but as a person who embodies his culture. I hope the book helps us all to better appreciate Agya Koo Nimo, his amazing talent and wonderful contribution to our heritage,” Mr Edwards stated.
