Remembering Bella Bellow – la blueswoman d’Afrique

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Daniel K. Pryce 12 years ago

Kofi,

This wonderful piece captures a gamut of achievements by a young woman whose life was cut short at an early age by an unimaginable tragedy. How many of us can truthfully say that we attained our goals, or even reache ...
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Kofi,

This wonderful piece captures a gamut of achievements by a young woman whose life was cut short at an early age by an unimaginable tragedy. How many of us can truthfully say that we attained our goals, or even reached international stardom, in our twenties, even if we are all not into music? Bella Bellow’s story, while a story of passion, ambition, music, and sudden death, is also a story about an indomitable spirit that broke down barriers – barriers that many are unable to overcome even in a more modern, Internet-savvy, instant-communication environment.

Bella Bellow undeniably had to fight racism, sexism, and poverty to attain her goals as an international music star – and all of us can take a cue from her heartbreakingly short life. In other words, if the reader takes away nothing from this piece, one thing s/he should not ignore is the fact that all things are possible to those who refuse to say “no” to difficulties and obstacles that would, ordinarily, cripple others made of frailer stuff.

Bella Bellow’s songs – while mainly written and crooned in our beloved Ewe language, a variant of which, presumably, was spoken by a sect in ancient Israel – were wonderful and captivating, and even for non-Ewe speakers, the rhythms of Bellow's songs as well as her superb singing talent should be sufficiently captivating.

Certainly, there are a number of talented Ewe artistes of Ghanaian heritage – for example, Joseph Akpalu (see the album “Wo gbe mase” ) and Israel Maweta (see the album “Mehaya”) – even if their music falls under a different genre. But, arguably, Bellow has been an inspiration to many, and we need more Bellows to unearth the amazing tunes and wholesome lyrics the world is yet to experience!

The following translations would help the non-Ewe Ghanaian understand the article better:

Nye magble wo / Di akpo o / ... Negbe ku ko / Ama mia me. These words translate as: I will never abandon you, until death do us part.

Miatogbui kple mamawo wo woto sinu / Vli denyigba la da di na nye kpli wo sia… These words translate as: Our ancestors (more clearly our grandpas and grandmas) did their best to wrest the land for you and me.

Denyigba wo nyonyo, denyigba wo gbegble /Alesi nele ko sigbe ko woano daa. These words translate as: The land of our birth, in good times and in bad times, you’ll remain the same to us.

Dzinyefe o dzinyefe / Malo wo tegbee. These words mean: The place of my birth (repeated for emphasis), I will love you forever.
Kofi Amenyo 12 years ago

Thanks a lot for the translations, Daniel. I do hope it will help our non-Ewe brothers and sisters to get what those particular parts of the article are about. Your translations are quite accurate. There are two more phrases ...
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Thanks a lot for the translations, Daniel. I do hope it will help our non-Ewe brothers and sisters to get what those particular parts of the article are about. Your translations are quite accurate. There are two more phrases to be translated:

Da-si le nunye ko, Da-si le nunye ko... translates as: Let me be (leave me alone), and

Novi novi novi novi means "Friend, friend, friend" (it can also mean your sibling).

It was nice that you pointed out the fact that Bellow had to fight sexism in her career. This is pertinent especially since it is well known that some young girls in the entertainment industry, even if they are talented, have to sleep their way to the top. And Bella started performing at around 20 in a world dominated by men - especially the producers who can make or unmake you. I suspect that must be one of the reasons why she decided to leave Paris and come home where she married a judge - someone outside the industry. Moreover, at that time too, people didn't look too kindly on women in the entertainment industry who were considered as harlots or whores. Talk, indeed, about fighting sexism.

But, Daniel, you were too young when Bella Bellow was at the top of her career. I don't think you remember her. Interesting that her story still attracts you.
komlnyarko 12 years ago

Thanks Kofi, for a superb job.

Thanks Kofi, for a superb job.
Wonderful 12 years ago

You have all helped to remind us of a young lady who sang wonderfully and show cased the beauty of an African language - dzinyefe o dzinyefe / malo wo tegbee.
The article and your comments have been an education us. Bravo! ...
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You have all helped to remind us of a young lady who sang wonderfully and show cased the beauty of an African language - dzinyefe o dzinyefe / malo wo tegbee.
The article and your comments have been an education us. Bravo!
Please let me know the website where I can purchase some of her music.
Bobby 12 years ago

This is just fantastic! Chapeau Kofi for this great article.

This is just fantastic! Chapeau Kofi for this great article.
KOLA,LONDON MAIN 12 years ago

I have heard of Bella Bellow as famous musician but never did I realize she was part Ghanaian as her lineal descent could be traced to Ghana.

I always thought she was full blooded Togolese but your article has been full of ...
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I have heard of Bella Bellow as famous musician but never did I realize she was part Ghanaian as her lineal descent could be traced to Ghana.

I always thought she was full blooded Togolese but your article has been full of inspiration about Bellow. I bet Utube will be jammed with traffic for Bellow's songs from now.

But once again, thank you for an article which seek to educate and which distinguishes yourself from those bigotry authors who aim at dividing Ghanaians rather than to unite them.
Mozato 12 years ago

Ofui!get this straight to your stupid skull that no trokosi is Ghanaian. Trokosis are pure breed Togolese . Your cousins are the Atakpamis or Atakwamis from Benin and Kotokolis from Northern Togo. History tell us that th ...
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Ofui!get this straight to your stupid skull that no trokosi is Ghanaian. Trokosis are pure breed Togolese . Your cousins are the Atakpamis or Atakwamis from Benin and Kotokolis from Northern Togo. History tell us that the Kotokolis has been kicking the ass of Trokosis anytime they misbehave hence their trooping en mass to ever peaceful loving Ghana.
Yaw Amofa 12 years ago

Luckily, who qualifies as a Ghanaian is not determined on this forum.

Luckily, who qualifies as a Ghanaian is not determined on this forum.
FOYOOSIS 12 years ago

Hahaha Kofi, "African electronics" (eboo) you mean, huh? Anyway welcome back after a long silence of hibernation. This is infact a breathtaking article worth reading.

Thanks for the history lesson taught to the younger gen ...
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Hahaha Kofi, "African electronics" (eboo) you mean, huh? Anyway welcome back after a long silence of hibernation. This is infact a breathtaking article worth reading.

Thanks for the history lesson taught to the younger generation. Bravo et merci beaucoup!
Okonko Palm 12 years ago

Bella Bellow's magic voice and high pitch was a breathtaking phenomenon.Her captivating renditions blows the mind away with such unimaginable intensity. I remember her Rockia very well even though a non Ewe,I feel the goose p ...
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Bella Bellow's magic voice and high pitch was a breathtaking phenomenon.Her captivating renditions blows the mind away with such unimaginable intensity. I remember her Rockia very well even though a non Ewe,I feel the goose pimple on my body just because of the richness of her voice anytime it is played.

She represented Africa in Rio so she is an African genius whose short but impressive mus be celebrated by all.May she in peace.

Okonko Palm 12 years ago

The second paragraph should read:

She represented Africa in Rio so she is an African genius whose short but impressive life must be celebrated by all.May she rest in peace.

The second paragraph should read:

She represented Africa in Rio so she is an African genius whose short but impressive life must be celebrated by all.May she rest in peace.
Blessings 12 years ago

"Okonko Palm", Bella's " high pitch" speaks more to her musical range, which is unmatched on the continent today- Mirriam Makeba didn't have it to her level, albeit another great, and Angelique Kidjo don't have it!

I hav ...
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"Okonko Palm", Bella's " high pitch" speaks more to her musical range, which is unmatched on the continent today- Mirriam Makeba didn't have it to her level, albeit another great, and Angelique Kidjo don't have it!

I have postulated that had Bella lived and obtained more voice training, should could have sang Opera!

I wouldn't say Bella was of my generation at all, but after discovering her on Youtube, I recalled having heard Rockia in Ghana as a small girl!

There is really not much I can say about Bella-The representation of a CLASSIC Ewe beauty- with those alluring Eyes, and high cheek bones, as only an Ewe woman could have- For whatever reason, after reading about her bio on Wiki even before this article, it pains me to think such a genius died so young- it is really a travesty to Africa's music, Togo, and the Ewe lineage at Large!

With that kind of unique, crystal clear voice at every range, she could have collaborated with greats like Steve Wonder on some of his jazzy tunes! Oh how a great musical tree was cut down before her time!

It is too bad that there are not more "Bellas" from Eweland, because the Ewes LOVE to sing, and our language is conducive to musical range as it helps to produce renown musical tones and ranges....

Who can produce a better Soprano, Alto, Tenor voices in Ghana than Ewes? It is too bad that in Ghana, because Ewe is minority language, their musicality is not celebrated country wide, which is a GREAT lOSS to the population at large...

Lastly, just read and or listen to hymms from the EP Hymm book, those translated and those wholly composed by our great genius- they are so biblically accurate, profound, thought provoking, and musically edifying that I sometimes wonder why Ewe Composers are not able to reach worldwide Accolades with their musical talent.

I hope with this article, and with an important anniversary of her death coming, someone will get the impetus to reissue Bella's songs as another collectible, to honor this great musical genius of Eweland and I would sure love to have one!
Snoop 12 years ago

You write so well, Kofi.

Very impressed!

You write so well, Kofi.

Very impressed!
Kojo T 12 years ago

Over to the under trodden. You can make it if you try. But is it not a shame the stereo types we have that we kill TALENT? Some one wrote about innovation Again it features hybrids, Nigerian, Ghanaian, togolese as against pur ...
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Over to the under trodden. You can make it if you try. But is it not a shame the stereo types we have that we kill TALENT? Some one wrote about innovation Again it features hybrids, Nigerian, Ghanaian, togolese as against pur breeds
Dr. Kologah 12 years ago

Daniel K. Pryce, you are equally good.

Daniel K. Pryce, you are equally good.
Asiwome 12 years ago

My favorite is "Blewu" because it has an existential theme. The word has origins in the Akan language, perhaps because we Ewes use the "dordordor" for patience and care.

My favorite is "Blewu" because it has an existential theme. The word has origins in the Akan language, perhaps because we Ewes use the "dordordor" for patience and care.
Pascalini 12 years ago

This is an excellently researched and written article. Friend, keep it up!

This is an excellently researched and written article. Friend, keep it up!
OYIRIFI AMPASACHI 12 years ago

MY FAVOURATE...WAS THE ALL TIME HIT
ROCKIA!!!!

MY FAVOURATE...WAS THE ALL TIME HIT
ROCKIA!!!!
SAPPHY 12 years ago

Thank you for your informative, recollecting and fine article Kofi. I had almost forgotten her. Her music will forever be a legacy to Africa's female talents. We thank God for her brief and memorable life. My she continue t ...
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Thank you for your informative, recollecting and fine article Kofi. I had almost forgotten her. Her music will forever be a legacy to Africa's female talents. We thank God for her brief and memorable life. My she continue to rest in peace and God bless her daughter always.
Atta Owusu 12 years ago

Kofi, how come I could not remember her from the beginning? She was really great and beautiful. If I remember correctly, she made a song with Mbjlia Bel.

Kofi, how come I could not remember her from the beginning? She was really great and beautiful. If I remember correctly, she made a song with Mbjlia Bel.

Kofi Amenyo 12 years ago

Mbilia Bel was born in 1959 in far away Congo. This means she was 14 when Bella Bellow died. They never met and they never sang together. Perhaps Mbilia Bel heard her as a kid but before she started her own career. Mbilia Bel ...
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Mbilia Bel was born in 1959 in far away Congo. This means she was 14 when Bella Bellow died. They never met and they never sang together. Perhaps Mbilia Bel heard her as a kid but before she started her own career. Mbilia Bel started recording in the early 80s when she was discovered by Tabu Ley Rochereau. By then Bella Bellow was long dead...

As a Ghanaian of your age, Atta Owusu, the Bella Bellow song you should remember is Rockia... That was what all Ghana knew at that time. Rockiaaaaaa
Mighty man 12 years ago

I have watched the videos. She sings so well. Thanks for feeding our memories with these old sweet songs.

I have watched the videos. She sings so well. Thanks for feeding our memories with these old sweet songs.
S-Zulu 12 years ago

Wow! This is an impressive tribute to a very wonderful person and an artist of immense talent and quality. Her songs (voice, very deep lyrics, rhythm...) inspire, soothe and bring joy to even the most grieving heart. She died ...
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Wow! This is an impressive tribute to a very wonderful person and an artist of immense talent and quality. Her songs (voice, very deep lyrics, rhythm...) inspire, soothe and bring joy to even the most grieving heart. She died very young, but her legacy is with us. Thanks to you efo Kofi for this amazing piece of work. We know her songs, but we didn't really know her. You shined the light on the gem that she was. I am sure Bella is singing a song for you.
Kofi Amenyo 12 years ago

... I will want it to be Denyigba. But I will really not mind what she sings for me as long as she is the one singing it.

Thanks, S-Zulu

... I will want it to be Denyigba. But I will really not mind what she sings for me as long as she is the one singing it.

Thanks, S-Zulu
Omanbapa Osei Oyeadieyie 12 years ago

I was Enteraiment Prefect at my school and remember having played her songs on the school's radiogramme and every records night. I can't remember which though, but her name Bella Below is deeply etched in my memory.

I was Enteraiment Prefect at my school and remember having played her songs on the school's radiogramme and every records night. I can't remember which though, but her name Bella Below is deeply etched in my memory.
Aladura 12 years ago

It must be Rockia you were playing. That was her most popular number in Ghana and the one we all danced to. The flip side was Zelie and you could only dance close (smooching) with that - if you could grab hold of a girl.

...
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It must be Rockia you were playing. That was her most popular number in Ghana and the one we all danced to. The flip side was Zelie and you could only dance close (smooching) with that - if you could grab hold of a girl.

Oh those were the days...
James B. Otafregya 12 years ago

Aladura,

You are right: I searched for Bella Bellow Rockia on YouTube and as I write this I'm listening to it! Wow Yieeeh! YouTube medawase!

On smooching: being the EP, the girls were flocking. I even went beyond that, ...
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Aladura,

You are right: I searched for Bella Bellow Rockia on YouTube and as I write this I'm listening to it! Wow Yieeeh! YouTube medawase!

On smooching: being the EP, the girls were flocking. I even went beyond that, sneaking into the girls dorm and almost got suspended. Thank God it was a local school: the headmaster came from my town and he knew my entire family so he kinda closed his eyes.

For those interested visit: wwwDOTyoutubeDOTcom/watch?v=nAABi3FCmvk

Replace DOT with '.'
KOOSU1 12 years ago

KOFI,YOU MAKE ME CRY,BELLOW....RIP.

KOFI,YOU MAKE ME CRY,BELLOW....RIP.
EA 12 years ago

Kofi , Thanks your piece indicates a well researched work done
keep it up

Kofi , Thanks your piece indicates a well researched work done
keep it up
Dr. Kologah 12 years ago

I love your article about this wonderful and talented woman,it has really touched me.But i'm sadened by her unfortunate and premature death,i could remember in my childhood days my mother used to enjoy her songs a lot.I'll ma ...
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I love your article about this wonderful and talented woman,it has really touched me.But i'm sadened by her unfortunate and premature death,i could remember in my childhood days my mother used to enjoy her songs a lot.I'll make sure i download all her songs on youtube and once again many thanks to you for the education.

Segbedji 12 years ago

This is a wonderful contribution to unveil a wonderful talent!Dzinyefe is a masterpiece!

This is a wonderful contribution to unveil a wonderful talent!Dzinyefe is a masterpiece!
Raymond Awuku Goka 11 years ago

Kofi akpe na wo. Bella Bellow continues to live in our hearts.

Kofi akpe na wo. Bella Bellow continues to live in our hearts.
ALEX SENAM 11 years ago

I dn't just know wy anything good can't last in my country.when i look arround me i saw dead stole away all our heroes

I dn't just know wy anything good can't last in my country.when i look arround me i saw dead stole away all our heroes
PROF. JOHN B. K. AHETO 9 years ago

Kofi, excellent piece on our gem, Bella Ballo. She went away too soon. I play her music daily. She always bring tears to my eyes. Too soon. Thanks for your authentic and translations of the songs. Please do you have anything ...
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Kofi, excellent piece on our gem, Bella Ballo. She went away too soon. I play her music daily. She always bring tears to my eyes. Too soon. Thanks for your authentic and translations of the songs. Please do you have anything more on Bella Bello. Thanks for the info on her roots.I am always in love with Blewue and Dzinyafe.
Mark-Anthony Vinorkor 9 years ago

I discovered her music on YouTube accidentally when I searched for Mawuli Deka's Julie. The girl was a rare gem. The greatest Ewe Songstress of all time. No one living or dead can match her. Until today I thought Denyigba wa ...
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I discovered her music on YouTube accidentally when I searched for Mawuli Deka's Julie. The girl was a rare gem. The greatest Ewe Songstress of all time. No one living or dead can match her. Until today I thought Denyigba was sang by Afua Dorkenoo. And that particular song fills my body with goose pimples. After reading your article, I am very convinced that she was eliminated. May her beautiful soul rest in peace. When will we have another Bella Bellow.
Uncle Mo 8 years ago

Wow! Kofi, this article is fantastic

Wow! Kofi, this article is fantastic

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Remembering Bella Bellow – la blueswoman d’Afrique

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