Nana Kwame Ampadu at 50

Come December 27, 2013 a grand concert will be held at the National Theatre to celebrate the 50th anniversary  of veteran musician, Nana Kwame Ampadu I and his African Brothers International Band.

This came to light at a brief but impressive anniversary  launch held at the Alisa Hotel in Accra yesterday, October 30 which brought together family and friends of Nana Kwame Ampadu I as well as sponsors of the concert and members of the media.

Sitting in for Mr Kwame Ofosu Bamfo (Sikkens) who was chairman for the anniversary celebration, Mr George Oko Kweitsu of Dangbe Rural Bank  urged Ghanaians to support Nana Ampadu in every way that they can to ensure a successful celebration.

“Nana Kwame Ampadu started his musical career ages ago when I was not even born and till date, he is still going strong,” he said.

Mr Kweitsu tasked individuals and corporate Ghana to come together and give this living legend a befitting celebration and not wait for him to die before organising a befitting burial as is typical of Ghanaians.

The Managing Director of Katamadara Concepts, Emma Boakye, whose outfit is organising the concert said they are leaving no stone unturned to ensure a highly successful event.

“it is a great honour to organise the 50th anniversary concert of Nana Kwame Ampadu and his band. He is indeed a living legend and has come a long way and we are proud to be associated with him,” she said.

On behalf of the Musicians Union of Ghana, (MUSIGA), Kaakyire Kwame Appiah congratulated Nana Kwame Ampadu and assured him of the Union’s support at his concert.

There were solidarity messages from some sponsors including Vitamilk and Star Beer. They promised their unflinching love and support for Nana Ampadu and called on others to also come on board.

When he took over the microphone from David Dontoh, MC for the launch, Nana Ampadu sent everyone laughing, interlacing his brief speech with humour.

He said though many people may think he is too old to perform, he will surprise everyone on December 27, “I still have a lot of energy and you will all see that on the D-day.”

Nana Ampadu, who has over 800 songs to his credit, promised to release  a four-track album on the night of the concert, songs that will change the mindset of Ghanaians, “you will hear it for the first time at the concert and I know you will love it,” he said.

Director for the upcoming concert, Osmo Nana Kwame Addo told Showbiz after the launch that it will be one great concert, something Ghanaians haven’t seen in a long while.

“Nana Ampadu is a huge figure in the local music industry and we intend to celebrate him in a grand style, 50 years in the industry is no child’s play and we will give patrons to the concert a time of their lives, “ he said.

By Jayne Buckman-Owoo/Graphic Showbiz/Ghana