Amandzeba Brew and Egya Koo Nimo, advocates of authentic Ghanaian music recently complimented Ghana’s political and milltary support for the peace process in La Cote d’Ivoire with magnetic concerts in a number of Ivorian cities and towns.
Performing on the platform of the 2007 edition of Market for African Performing Arts (, which was dedicated to peace in Cote d’Ivoire, both singers displayed real gifts for showmanship as they proudly revealed the beauty, variety and diversity of Ghana’s rhythms and beats.
At the rebel held town of Man (600km northwest of the capital Abidjan), Amandzeba Brew and his Native Okestra Band astounded a crowd of nearly 6,000 with a clever and mesmerising performance that appeared distinctive from the numerous Ivorain groups who were on the bill.
Fuelled by a burning desire to promote Ghana’s indigenous musical resources, Amandzeba went deep into his own world as he sang with great enthusiasm, a song he specially composed and dedicated tot he peace process in La Cote d’Ivoire.
“the President and people of Ghana have sent us to help promote peace and reconciliation through the power of music- we are extremely happy to be here and truly hope that our music will be of an immense help to the healing process”, said Amandzeba in broken French as refreshing sounds from horns flowed with subdued intensity.
With a sensual softness of words and attaching melodies that tended to move the most insensitive ear, Amandzeba “pulled” a number of people including Idrissa Fofona, Commander of Force Nouvelle (rebel troops) in the town of Man to the dance floor as shouts of peace, peace filled the air.
In the coca growing town of Daloa (400 km northwest of Abidjan) living legend Egya Koo Nimo and his Adadam Agofomma transmitted messages of peace through lyrics rich in philosophy, sending the crowd on a mute journey to a land of no conflict.
Like birds in flight, Adadam Agofomma, which comprised young men and women who were proud of their tradition and culture amazed the audience with songs, which erupted into mind boggling messages that emphasised the beauty of unity and togetherness.
A celebrated guitarist and visiting lecturer in several universities in Europe and the United States, Koo Nimo’s extraordinary fusion of traditional instruments with guitars grabbed the attention of some members of the audience including the youth who cheered and applauded.
Music, dance and theatre groups from Benin, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Niger, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, South Africa, Egypt and Kenya were also on hand to lend support tot he festival of peace, which was also held in the rebel controlled towns of Bouake and Korhogo.
Earlier, Amandzeba Brew and Egya Koo Nimo entertained audiences at various venues in Abidjan as well as the residence of Ghana’s Ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire; His Excellency, Kabral Blay Amihere. A keen guitar player, the Ambassador joined them to play a couple of songs.
As part of the activities marking the peace festival, an international round table conference dubbed “Democracy, Democratic Culture: End-of-Crisis and Peace in Africa”, which attracted several intellectuals from diverse countries in Africa was held in the city of Yamoussoukro.
Ghana’s participation in this special edition of MASA was made possible with the kind sponsorship of the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture in collaboration with the Ghana Embassy in La Cote d’Ivoire.
