MOGO thrills patrons and honours CK Mann

Scores of patrons braced the heat at the National Theatre due to faulty air conditioners to enjoy a delightful evening of rich highlife music as presented by Citi FM’s Music of Ghanaian Origin (MOGO), last Friday. The sixth installment of the annual celebration of highlife music got professors, doctors, politicians and ordinary Ghanaians dancing and singing, as a source of holiday relaxation on National Farmers’ Day.

Beginning with traditional group Wulomei, lovers of highlife music were treated to live band music from Dela Hayes and the Dzesi Women’s Band, an all female band made up of traders and hairdressers. They thrilled participants with sweet melodies as they showed great versatility on the drums, trumpets and guitars amongst others.

The first of the featured artistes on the bill to climb the stage was Felix Owusu, who forced virtually the entire hall on their feet as he delivered most of his great hit tracks, such as Okwantuni and others, alongside some great dance moves by his dancers.

George Darko then mounted the stage in all-white apparel with his guitar delivering some of his great hits in a unique style. The likes of Akoo te Brofo took participants off their seats as they could not soak it whilst sitting. The sensational Ramblers International Band, were a sight to behold. They gave the audience value for their money with great display that shook virtually the entire hall.

Young sensational highlife artiste Kwabena Kwabena kept contact with his lively audience and kept the flame in the foyer alive as he delivered most of his soothing love songs. He had the ladies virtually eating out of his hand as his melodious tunes brought joy to the most saddened heart.

The entire performers on the night made a tribute track to the Late Mac Tontoh of Osibisa Fame after a minute silence was observed for him. He was honoured as a legendary trumpeter. Bessa Simons then took the stage with hit tracks such as Belembe, forcing mostly the aged on their feet.

Highlife Great C.K. Mann was also honoured for his immense contribution to the success of highlife music in Ghana.As part of the award, he walked away five 5,000 GhC cash donated by Citi FM, Charter House, the World Bank and the Government of Ghana through the Tourism Ministry. His age could not stop him from singing for the audience. He delivered some of his all-time best tunes to the admiration of the ecstatic crowd.

Gyedu Blay Ambulley was at his best delivering great songs with his amazing dance moves. The night was indeed one that will be remembered for a very long time. Amakye Dede was at his best, togged out in a suit and white shirt and carrying his trade mark white handkerchief. Abrantie Amakye’s Dede’s barn storming performance was perhaps the high water mark of a night of outstanding performances from the list of highlife greats on the bill for the 2010 celebration of authentic Ghanaian music.

Lovers of traditional Ghanaian music were indeed served veritable dishes of oldies by relatively young men and women, a reflection of the theme behind the whole MOGO concept- Celebrating the past, Inspiring the Future.