Jewel Ackah to be buried August 4

Late highlife musician, Jewel Ackah will be buried on August 4, 2018 in Axim.

This was made known at the one week observance of his passing which was held at the Sakasaka Park at Tema, Community Two.

A wake keeping and thanksgiving service will be held on August 3 and 5 respectively.

Many sympathisers, friends and family converged at the Sakasaka Park near the Community Two Police Station to show their respect to the legend.

Also in attendance are political figures mostly from the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Among them are the party’s Greater Accra Regional Chairman, Mr Joseph Ade Coker,  Yaw Boateng-Djan, former National Organiser,  Anita De Sosoo and Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, MP for Ellembele constituency.

Former President John Dramani Mahama was also in attendance to mourn the late Ackah. He donated an amount of GHC12,000 to the family in support of the funeral.

Jewel Ackah,  popularly known as the Prince of Hi-Life, started his career as a professional footballer but went on to use his powerful, soul-tinged vocals with the cover-version band the Pick-Ups in 1965.

He had stints with C.K. Mann’s Carousel Seven, the Eldoradoes and the Medican Lantics. He was also a vocalist with the Sweet Talks at various times between 1975 and 1979, and during one of his periods away from the band in the late 70s, he rejoined Mann for an American tour.

In 1979, he fronted a new Sweet Talks line-up, and recorded Hallelujah! Amen! with a backing group, he called S.T. Express.

In 1980, he recorded the solo collection Asomdwee Henee and then joined the Great Pilsner’s Band, a brewery-sponsored outfit that enjoyed a brief run of popularity.

In 1980, Jewel Ackah joined up with guitarist Kwame Nkrumah to make Yeridi A Wu, a loving and masterful re-recording of highlife hits from the 50s. In the mid-80s, he recorded the soca-influenced Super Pawa, and then the funk-highlife fusion London Connection. More enduring was his 1986 album, Electric Hi-Life, which found a more mature, thoughtful Ackah performing alongside Pat Thomas and A.B. Crentsil.

He continued his music career as a solo artist and band vocalist in Accra and London until settling in Toronto, Canada, in the late 80s.  He later renamed his band the Butterfly Six.

Hi-Life great, A.B. Crenstil wrote in a book of condolence, "I was here to morn you. You have done your best. My brother, rest in peace. God bless."

Also present are a number of musicians including, K.K Kabobo, Kofi Bentil, and  Mr Ahuma Ocansey, Director of Communications and Special Projects, MUSIGA.