They came to mourn Thomas Frimpong
The Mile 7 Park at Dome in Accra was turned into a highlife haven on Wednesday, September 25 as some of the nation’s best-known musicians trooped there for the one-week celebration of the death of Thomas Frimpong.
The drummer, composer and singer died in the early hours of Wednesday, September 18 at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra after a short illness. He was 70.
There was mourning in the air but the musicians turned the event into a lively affair. To them, Frimpong needed to be commended for his significant contribution to highlife and they did it in style.
Most of the artistes present performed and praised Frimpong for the gems of songs he brought to Ghanaian popular music. The musicians at the ceremony included Kofi B, Nana Kwame Ampadu, Amandzeba, Paapa Yankson, Akosua Agyapong and Dr Paa Bobo.
Others were Ekow Micah, Obuoba Adofo, Pat Thomas, CK Morrison, KK Kabobo, Carlos Sakyi and Kofi Sammy. 
A Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) delegation was also there to mourn with Frimpong’s family.
Thomas Frimpong was with the Noble Kings for about 17 years and helped solidify the popular ‘sikyi’ beat. Songs he either wrote or co-wrote with guitarist, Eric Agyeman for the Noble Kings included Obaa Baako Agyegye Me, Mebewu A Mennim and Nsem Keka Adooso.
He went solo after leaving the band and recorded the Sasakroma album before leaving for London. Popular items he put out during his stay in London included Odo Pa, Aye Yi, Mada Meho So, Okwan Bi, Wobre, Okesi , Ama and Kweku Anansi.
One of the projects Frimpong embarked on when he returned to Ghana from London was to team up with colleagues Agyaaku and Eric Agyeman to record an album titled The Giants.
Another celebration of Frimpong’s life was expected to be held yesterday at his hometown, Kumawu in the Ashanti Region.
Details of his burial and funeral will be known by this weekend.
Pictures: James Okyere
