Kusum Ensemble to Launch Nokoko

Nii Tettey Tetteh and the Kusum Ensemble will launch their latest CD "NOKOKO" at the Alliance Francaise in Accra on Friday February 7, 2003 at 8.00pm.

Composed and arranged by Nii Tettey Tetteh,"NOKOKO" is a dramatic fusion of electrifying jazz, African and traditional rhythms that has resulted in the production of authentic sounds and rhythms.

NOKOKO also combines the exuberance of highlife with the complexity of African jazz to create music that exposes the capabilities of loud African drums. Indeed, the CD exposes the ability of indigenous instruments in the playing soft and slow moving tunes.

The eleven track CD which has lyrics in a number of Ghanaian languages boasts of a new version of highlife that incorporates traditional instruments like Bells, Shakers, "Kpanlogo" and "Gome" drums with lead and bass guitars.

Formed several years ago by Nii Tettey Tetteh, the Kusum Ensemble has numerous dance pieces and two CDs to its credit. They have performed and held workshops in Australia, the United States and several European countries.

The Kusum Ensemble organizes regular workshops in African dance and music dubbed "Kusum Study Tour" for students from Europe, Australia and the United States at its cultural centre in Accra.

The group is currently preparing to embark on a three month tour of the United States that will involve performance in several American cities.