Dr Kwesi Owusu, a renowned film maker, author and music producer has stated that the influence of blacks on music and culture in the United Kingdom is not a recent phenomenon but dates back to the period of the Roman Empire and has extended in recent times to include cultural exports.
In a brilliant power point presentation to a group of music lovers at the British Council Hall in Accra, he said merchant ships became a hotbed for African music expositions thus resulting in a strong influence on the port cities of the United Kingdom including Liverpool.
Speaking on the topic ?The Influence of African Caribbean Music on British Culture?, Dr. Owusu also touched on the post World War II influences mentioning the process groups and musicians such as ?The Reggae Counterblast?, ?Jah Professor?, ?Sean Paul?, ?Judy Boucher?, ?Sandra Cross?, ?Vivian Jones? and ?Rock Against Racism?.
Dilating on the Afro Rock Years (1969-1986), Dr. Owusu, who is also the CEO of Creative Storm, a Multi Media Communications Company in Accra mentioned the role of the former Afro Rock Band OSIBISA and their enormous influence on British Culture.
Mac Tontoh, a member of OSIBISA, briefed the audience on the activities of the group and including its collaborations with Art Garfunkel, ?The Rolling Stones? and ?Traffic?, a group led by a Ghanaian British musician Kweku Baah.
The Head of the Music Department, University of Ghana, Legon, Prof. John Collins added that the music of OSIBISA managed to return British music fans to the dancing floor thus making them participate fully in performances instead of relaxing as passive observers.
He stated that British recording companies were hiring and firing musicians at such a fast rate that the African musicians could not develop a potential market. He revealed that The World Bank is now interested in the African Music Industry because of its potential to earn the much needed foreign exchange for ailing African economies.
According to Dr. Owusu, despite the numerous contacts between the United Kingdom, Africa and the Caribbean, misconceptions about the situation in each country or region is still rife among its citizens.
He added that The United Kingdom is currently a cultural hotbed with diverse radio stations owned by blacks alongside tropical food, carnivals, music and fashion that is now been described as British.
Reggae, he said stormed the United Kingdom with refreshing creations by groups such as ?Aswad?, ?Steel Pulse?, ?Misty?, ?Burning Spear? and ?Culture? adding that it resulted in a number of British musicians including Boy George expressing themselves through the power of reggae. Black British Soul he said made a direct impact on British culture due to the activities of groups like ?Hot Chocolate? and Hi Tension?.
In the wake of the presentation, a number of people have called for more of such lectures to help educate Ghanaians especially radio presenters who will in turn pass on the knowledge to their listeners.
Dr Kwesi Owusu, a renowned film maker, author and music producer has stated that the influence of blacks on music and culture in the United Kingdom is not a recent phenomenon but dates back to the period of the Roman Empire and has extended in recent times to include cultural exports.
In a brilliant power point presentation to a group of music lovers at the British Council Hall in Accra, he said merchant ships became a hotbed for African music expositions thus resulting in a strong influence on the port cities of the United Kingdom including Liverpool.
Speaking on the topic ?The Influence of African Caribbean Music on British Culture?, Dr. Owusu also touched on the post World War II influences mentioning the process groups and musicians such as ?The Reggae Counterblast?, ?Jah Professor?, ?Sean Paul?, ?Judy Boucher?, ?Sandra Cross?, ?Vivian Jones? and ?Rock Against Racism?.
Dilating on the Afro Rock Years (1969-1986), Dr. Owusu, who is also the CEO of Creative Storm, a Multi Media Communications Company in Accra mentioned the role of the former Afro Rock Band OSIBISA and their enormous influence on British Culture.
Mac Tontoh, a member of OSIBISA, briefed the audience on the activities of the group and including its collaborations with Art Garfunkel, ?The Rolling Stones? and ?Traffic?, a group led by a Ghanaian British musician Kweku Baah.
The Head of the Music Department, University of Ghana, Legon, Prof. John Collins added that the music of OSIBISA managed to return British music fans to the dancing floor thus making them participate fully in performances instead of relaxing as passive observers.
He stated that British recording companies were hiring and firing musicians at such a fast rate that the African musicians could not develop a potential market. He revealed that The World Bank is now interested in the African Music Industry because of its potential to earn the much needed foreign exchange for ailing African economies.
According to Dr. Owusu, despite the numerous contacts between the United Kingdom, Africa and the Caribbean, misconceptions about the situation in each country or region is still rife among its citizens.
He added that The United Kingdom is currently a cultural hotbed with diverse radio stations owned by blacks alongside tropical food, carnivals, music and fashion that is now been described as British.
Reggae, he said stormed the United Kingdom with refreshing creations by groups such as ?Aswad?, ?Steel Pulse?, ?Misty?, ?Burning Spear? and ?Culture? adding that it resulted in a number of British musicians including Boy George expressing themselves through the power of reggae. Black British Soul he said made a direct impact on British culture due to the activities of groups like ?Hot Chocolate? and Hi Tension?.
In the wake of the presentation, a number of people have called for more of such lectures to help educate Ghanaians especially radio presenters who will in turn pass on the knowledge to their listeners.
