Ambolley brings new stage attitude to +233

When singer, composer and saxophonist Gyedu Blay  Ambolley mounts the stage with his Sekondi Band at the +233 Jazz Bar and Grill in Accra tonight, August 31, the man says the audience would encounter what he describes as a new stage attitude.

The Simigwa Man explains that though many are familiar with his normal approach, he was capable of extending his stagecraft beyond his usual stuff and is geared up to let patrons into that aspect of his artistry.

Ambolley was recently due for a 15-state tour of the United States but the programme has been pushed to early part of 2025 but he wants his fans to see what they had up their sleeves for the postponed trip. 

“You know America is an accomplished entertainment centre so coming from elsewhere,  one needs to be well-prepared to make an impact there. We have new great material and we’ll let fans in Ghana hear them before we go to  America,” Ambolley stated.

The Sekondi Band toured Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany and Morocco in 2023. It is the band’s aim not to play the same things on its travels because they are constantly monitored by leading tour agents around the world looking for sparkling stuff from African.

“Consistently getting invited to play in far away places a big sign of appreciation of what we do,” Ambolley contends. “We are certain that the flavour we bring to our music  is unique and that’s why everyone should expect a good time from 9.00pm with our two surprise guests tonight at +233,” Ambolley added.

The venue is also due to host the Pan-African Youth Orchestra (PAYO) from 8.00pm tomorrow, September 1, in a concert of neo-classical African music.

PAYO is a collection of young talented players who explore different dimensions of African music on instruments like the Atenteben flute, gyile xylophone, kora and an assortment of African drums, bells and shakers. 

The orchestra has played across Ghana and featured at well-known festivals such as MASA in Cote d’Ivoire  and Felabration in Nigeria. It has also collaborated with notable acts in places such as South Africa, United States and Israel.

Its repertoire includes exciting re-worked versions of contemporary popular music by Fela Anikulapo Kuti and Osibisa.  Star kora player, Seydou Diarra, will be a guest performer at the programme.