Samuel Marquaye is NCC performer extraordinaire

THE National Commission on Culture (NCC) has recognised Mr. Samuel M. Marquaye as Performer Extraordinaire for his immense contribution to the growth of the creative industry.

The recognition makes Mr. Marquaye an ambassador to the NCC in the promotion of traditional and contemporary music and dance in Ghana and across the globe.

In a brief ceremony at the Boardroom of the NCC, the Executive Director of the NCC, Nana Otuo Owoahene Acheampong indicated that the recognition is a gesture from the Commission to celebrate the over two decades of service by Mr Marquaye in the culture and creative space of Ghana and beyond.

A citation presented to Mr. Marquaye reads: “We celebrate your long service which spans several generations; teaching many, young and old in traditional and contemporary arts forms and leading even more to become great performers is simply inspirational and worthy of emulation.

“Your selflessness, your indefatigable spirit, your drive for the promotion of Ghanaian traditional and contemporary dance and your insatiable quest for the growth of music in your time has been exceptional. …your legacy will forever be remembered from generation to generation.”

According to Nana Owoahene, “this initiative by the NCC is to identify, reward and support exceptional creative talents in Ghana and motivate artists to contribute their quota towards the promotion of our culture in the global space and the development of the country”, he said.

He expressed optimism that the initiative will also propel many creatives to emulate Mr. Marquaye’s selfless service to the creative industry and Ghana.

Samuel M. Marquaye, a.k.a. Bukum Mama is a professional Ghanaian master dancer, master percussionist, choreographer and comic actor.

Mr Marquaye obtained his Junior High School education at Odartey Lamptey Memorial Junior High School in Accra from 1997-1998. He is the current band leader of Akwaaba Ensemble— an all-female band which recently toured Germany from December 2022 to February, 2023.

In addition to managing Akwaaba Ensemble, he has also been the lead choreographer and dancer of Shidaa Cultural Enterprise since 2002.

Mr Marquaye has featured as a guest dancer in many national and international events including the opening of the 2008 African Cup of Nations Tournament in Accra

He performed with Peace Cultural Troupe at the Dubai Circus Fiesta, Dubai-UAE in July 2015 and the Waterpark Eid Festival in Dubai, UAE with Peace Cultural Troupe in 2016.

Mr Marquaye has also collaborated with other groups for cultural and artistic projects. They include the Noyam African Dance Institute, Ga Mashie Music and Dance Theatre and the Ghana Dance Ensemble.

His Shidaa Cultural Troupe won Best Traditional Dance Group in the Rush Energy Drink Awards in 2017. His group was nominated in 2020 and 2021 as Best Dance Group for Ghana Arts and Culture Awards organised by the Ghana Arts and Culture Company in partnership with NCC.