One of Ghana’s sensational reggae lyrical artists known in showbiz as Okumfo Kwame 1 Afrika has launched his third album in Accra.
The launching brought renowned musicians both old and new and notable among them was Ghana’s Best Reggae Artist 2008 Shasha Marley, reggae lovers and some American students who had a lot of admiration for Ras Kwame.
“Okumfo” literally means the Priest; this artist has the craft stage to pull his crowds agog along with his rhythm. Ras Kwame is originally roots-rock reggae Musician/Poet sojourned in Chiicago , Illinois , USA who credits his musical upbringing to his elders and the general environment of his home base in Ghana where his root first blossomed.
The talented and easy going artist has shared stage with crème della crèmes like the Third World Band, renowned poet Mutabaruka,Pato Banton,Sonny Ade,Wailing Souls, the late Sonny Okusun among others.
In an open remarks another Ghanaian musician who had a stint with Ivorian Alpha Blondy and the Solar Band, Ras Appiah Levi said reggae music of the Caribbean has found its home in Africa which could become the genres biggest marketing Africa if much attention are paid.
“Over here in Africa we really listen to reggae music and are very pleased to acknowledge it, but I do not think we appreciate theist true worth and potential” he said.
Ras Appiah Levi, philanthropist who is now in chare of Prodigy International Productions Association (PIPA) challenged Governments of Africa to provide much incentive for the entire entertaining industry which are n\boost to tourism. “They do not seem to understand that music internationally is a multi-billion dollar business. Governments have not proposed any strategy towards the development of the music industry”.
He said Reggae music in Africa is a massive market but they must be aware of the piracy therefore good system must be put in place in order to make enough profit to serve the society. “Reggae music is big force and has always had the following in Africa sine the 1960`s.We urge all corporate bodies not to concentrate only on sports but also pay attention to the local music and arts Industry” Ras Levi exhorted.
The new album launched was called “FORWARD EVER”, and that was the third album following “How Sweet It Is” and the “O.A.U.”.
