The Salt and Light Ministries has dedicated Sunday, October 16 as a day to celebrate two legendary Ghanaian composers, Dr. Ephraim Amu and Emeritus Prof. JHK Nketia, for the contribution towards traditional Ghanaian music.
In an event dubbed, ‘An Evening with Dr. Ephraim Amu & Emeritus Prof. Nketia’, the Harmonious Chorale, the resident choir of the Salt and Light Ministries, will perform the works of the two legendary composers.
The programme is aimed at celebrating the legendary composers and role models of younger musicians and participation in the event is free. It is scheduled to be held at the National Theatre in Accra.
Harmonious Chorale has become widely known as one of the best choral music groups in Ghana.
The choir is under the directorship of James Varrick Armaah, a composer par excellence and a graduate from the School of Performing Arts- Music Department of the University of Ghana, Legon.
Speaking ahead of the event, Mr. Armaah eulogized the legendary composers and expressed his excitement about the upcoming event.
“Dr. Ephraim Amu and Emeritus Prof Nketia have enormously contributed to the development of traditional Ghanaian music, and the Harmonious Chorale is thrilled to sing in their honour,” Mr. Armaah said.
Dr. Ephraim Amu composed over two hundred works in Ewe, Twi, Ga and English, with inspiring lyrics that demonstrated his abiding love for Ghana. His choral works are thought provoking, patriotic and inspirational. Apart from his musical accomplishments, Dr. Ephraim Amu tried to arouse in the African, consciousness and pride. He believed in re-igniting the African identity, ethical, social and political values.
Emeritus Prof. Nketia, on the other hand, has won several awards in the development of African culture and music like: Cowell Award of the African Music Society, Ghana Gospel Music Special Award (2003), ASCAP Deems Taylor Award for his book on the Music of Africa, IMC-UNESCO Music Prize for Distinguished Service to Music. He is a composer, ethnomusicologist, and a writer. He has over 200 publications and more than 80 musical compositions to his credit.
Over the past few years, the Salt and Light Ministries has organised similar events showcasing the works of classical and choral Ghanaian composers including Prof. Yaw Sekyi Baidoo, Kenn Kafui, James Varrick Armaah, Tsemafo Arthur and Newlove Annan. The rest are G J Koomson, J Ato Scott-Bennin, George Mensah Essilfie, Osei Boateng and Sam Asare Bediako. Global Media Alliance is the official media partner for the event.
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