Veteran musician, Gyedu-Blay Ambolley has bemoaned Paapa Yankson’s funeral snub by young musicians. The Highlife musician expressed a total disapproval of the absence of the new generation of artistes at the service of a man he said has contributed immensely to the growth of Ghana’s music industry.
See: How It Went Down at Paapa Yankson’s Funeral [Photos, Video]
Gyedu-Blay Ambolley aired his feelings in an interview with Joy News. Ambolley who carefully noted the massive absence of young artistes at the burial of 73-year-old iconic Highlife musician last Saturday, says they will regret their action.
“Many of the young ones are sampling Paapa’s music… I don’t know why they are not here but they will regret that later,” he said.
Notable young artistes such as Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, Shatta Wale, Samini, Wutah, Kumi Guitar, Kwabena Kwabena were glaringly missing at the highly honoured event.
Gyedu-Blay Ambolley also revealed that the young artistes tend to refer to the veterans as ‘old school’, who have lost touch with the current trends. This he described as a misconception which prevents them from learning from the veterans.
“That is the mistake that is coming from the younger ones. When the younger ones see us, they say old school. They forget that it is the old school that teaches the new school,” he pointed out.
Mr. Ambolley finally called for cooperation and mutual respect between the old and the younger generation of musicians.
Paapa Yankson was born Benjamin Akono Kofi Yankson on 22nd June, 1944. After trying his hands in other walks of life like stenography, he delved into music in the late 70’s. Since then, Late Yankson was noted to have inspired innumerable lives with his songs.
Having completed his assignment on earth, Paapa Yankson passed away on the 21st of July, 2017 at the age of 73. He reportedly died in his sleep at his residence in Dansoman, Accra. Owing to the significant roles he played in the entertainment industry throughout his lifetime, President Akufo-Addo honoured him with a state burial, conducted at the forecourt of the State House.
The funeral saw the President of the Republic, Nana Akufo-Addo, Tourism Minister, Catherine Afeku, NDC officials, young and veteran musicians, a host of other dignitaries, friends and family members in attendance.
Notable artistes who graced the funeral include Nana Ampadu, Rex Omar, Paulina Oduro, Alhaji Sidiku Buari, Akwaboah Snr, Nana Queen, Gyedu Blay Ambolley, Ben Brako, Pat Thomas among others.
The Highlife legend has 15 albums and many songs to his credit including ‘Wiase Mu Nsem’, ‘Show Your Love’,’ ‘Wo Yere Anaa Wo Maame’, ‘Tena Menkyen’, ‘Okukuseku’, etc.
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