Role

:

Composer Performer

Country

:

Ghana

Birth

:

January 15, 1936 in Accra, Ghana

Death

:

September 13, 2012

 

Obo Addy was a Ghanaian musician and composer who was born on January 15, 1936, in Dodowa, Ghana. He was born into a family of drummers and dancers, and his father, Jacob Kpani Addy, was a master drummer and a leader of the Ga tribe. Obo Addy grew up in a musical environment and started playing the drums at a young age. He learned the rhythms and songs of the Ga people from his father and other family members. As a young man, Obo Addy became interested in other types of music, including jazz and classical music. He began to experiment with different rhythms and sounds, and he developed a unique style that blended traditional African music with Western influences. He also became interested in the history and culture of Africa, and he studied the music and dance of other African countries. In the 1960s, Obo Addy formed his own band, the Obo Addy Band, which became one of the most popular bands in Ghana. The band played a mix of traditional African music and Western styles, and they toured throughout Ghana and other African countries. In 1972, Obo Addy moved to the United States to study music at the University of Oregon. He continued to perform and record music, and he became a respected figure in the world music scene. Obo Addy's music was characterized by its complex rhythms and intricate melodies. He used a variety of traditional African instruments, including the djembe, the talking drum, and the xylophone, as well as Western instruments like the piano and the saxophone. His compositions often told stories or conveyed messages, and he used his music to promote African culture and traditions. One of Obo Addy's most famous works is his composition "Wawshishijay," which means "Come and Dance" in the Ga language. The piece is a celebration of African dance and music, and it features a complex rhythm that is played on a variety of instruments. Another notable work is "Kpanlogo," which is a traditional dance from the Ga people. Obo Addy's version of the dance features a mix of traditional and modern instruments, and it has become a popular piece in the world music repertoire. Throughout his career, Obo Addy received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music and culture. In 1996, he was awarded a National Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts, which is the highest honor given to traditional artists in the United States. He also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Oregon Arts Commission in 2002. Obo Addy continued to perform and record music until his death on September 13, 2012. He left behind a legacy of innovative and inspiring music that blended traditional African rhythms with Western influences. His music continues to be celebrated and performed by musicians around the world, and he remains an important figure in the world music scene.

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