Musician Yaw Sarpong
Ever wanted to know more about Ghanaian musician Yaw Sarpong? With a career spanning over forty (40) years, we share a few highlighters below.
These were documented from a recent interview on Y102.5FM in Kumasi.
1. Born in Accra to a Member of Parliament, Yaw Sarpong’s high dreams would be cut short as his father passed away in 1966 after being imprisoned during Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s overthrow.
2. Due to economic hardships after the death of his father, Yaw Sarpong’s mother had to relocate to Akyease in Kumasi where he hails from.
3. With a passion for singing, Yaw Sarpong in the early stages of life joined the Methodist singing group at Asuofua (in the Ashanti Region) where he was discovered by one Medical Doctor who also wanted to form a music group in 1971. The group used to perform in churches and other event centres.
4. Once during such performances in Asuase in Kumasi, a pastor approached Yaw Sarpong and offered to take care of him. Yaw Sarpong took the chance and lived with him.
5. At a church performance, Yaw Sarpong was spotted by Professor Kofi Abraham who liked him and offered to take care of him.
6. In 1984, Yaw Sarpong left music legend Kofi Abraham for Accra where he worked as a taxi driver for almost two (2) years (1984 to 1986).
7. Yaw Sarpong then left for Liberia where he established Yaw Sarpong and Asomafo (1986).
8. The group was made of Liberians, Ghanaians and Sierra Leonians.
9. Prior to traveling to Liberia, Yaw Sarpong had recorded his first album in 1981 titled Adesrede (Request) and second album between 1983 and 1984.
10. Yaw Sarpong chose the name Asomafo which translates as “Messengers” because he believed he was not working on his own and neither were the group members hence being mere messengers of God’s word.
Watch this exclusive interview with NY DJ on Y102.5FM from below.
