Tribute by Okyerema Asante

From Okyerema Asante to the dearly departed master Highlife arranger Stan Plange.

Okyerema, the master Ghanaian percussionist, has been broken since I broke the news of Stan's passing to him. He just sent me this tribute, devotedly typed on his phone, and has authorized me to broadcast it

When a thick wall of blackness overhangs the earth,

When nights clammy hands is upon creation, and everything is moist and cold,

Deep silence and stillness are broken when the cock crows, Kokurokoo,

One cock. Crows, Kokurokoo, then another , Kokurokoo, Church bells toll, GBAAAANG, dogs bark, wow wow, Goats bleet, kpumkpum meeeerr, birds chip amid twitter in trees, and all they are saying is, NUUMUE, MAESTRO, ANYOMTOFOOMU KYEREKYEREFO KOKODAM STAN PLANGE. DA YIE.

Rest in peace.

You are the perfect gentleman that l know.

A great leader who never gets angry.

There was a time that we were in a situation that I tried to push you to lead us to fight fire with fire, but you gently refused my method, and I was pissed off with you for being too cool.

In the end, you solved the problem diplomatically, in your own style.

I have seen many arrangers, directors and producers; around the world and I am experienced enough to confidently say you are amongst the best.

Your contribution from BROADWAY TO UHURU DANCE band is ample testimony.

Directing HEDZOLEH Soundz in the studio from NAPOLEON club in Osu to EMI studios in APAPA LAGOS is further testimony.

Travelling with me to CARACAS VENEZUELA to complete the CRABS IN THE BUCKET ALBUM, With NICK ROBERTSON, was an educative experience for me.

How you directed the three fantastic musicians from CARACAS who could not speak a word in English was a big lesson to me. With you, myself, and Nick Robertson together, we discovered the great JAZZ PIANIST, BERNITO GONZALEZ, the hottest pianist in the Big APPLE today.

I can write a book about your achievements, but I will deal with that later.

Right now I am very sad, my eyes are filled with tears as I write this tribute.

You know I have a lot of respect for you and your wife, you are a part of my future projects in Ghana, however, the Almighty God who knows best had a different assignment for you.

I pray that you get the opportunity to direct the Orchestra in heaven.

I am very thankful,for the opportunity to know you and to have you as a friend and a partner

MAY GOD BE WITHT YOU, DA YIE,

THE BIRDS ARE SINGING IN A SWEET HARMONY, AND ALL THEY ARE SAYING

IS MAESTRO,REST IN PERFECT PEACE.

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