A late start didn’t stop patrons of Citi FM’s Music of Ghanaian Origin (MOGO) Concert and Awards Night from dancing to highlife music performed by seven of Ghana’s greatest highlife musicians at the Accra International Conference Centre.
Interspersed with awards presentation to honour notable contributors to original Ghanaian music, the night of March 28, 2015 through to the early morning of the next day started with an ecstatic performance by veteran but young looking and energetic Pat Thomas who kick started the night on a happy note.
A eulogy was poetically delivered by talented Twi language orator and poet, Nana Asaase in remembrance of departed Ghanaian musician which included Terry Hanson, P.K Yamoah and Terry Bonchaka, all of blessed memory.
The mood was lightened with a stellar performance by one of Ghana’s oldest and widely acclaimed bands, the Ramblers International Band which has metamorphosed into a group of younger members. They kept the audience on their feet while they boogied to live highlife music.
The fun was elevated to a party mood when frail looking yet potent septuagenarian Paapa Yankson rocked away with his popular old songs including ‘Show Your Love’ which got some extinguished guests in the audience including MUSIGA President, Obour, Deputy Minister of Chieftaincy and Culture, Dzifa Gomashie and Actress Pascaline Edwards bust some dance moves.
Highlife legend Nana Ampadu got everyone singing to lyrics of his old songs including ‘Agatha’ as he defies his old age and dances to the admiration of Ghanaian music lovers.
Missing but found Samuel Owusu did not disappoint as he maintains the momentum set by the veterans in the highlife game. His performance was rivalled by Ga musician Adane Best whose performance was apt with the support of his dancers and a tiger masquerade to complement his song ‘Dzatabi’ which was very popular many years back.
The icing on top of the cake and the final performance was by the new AU Ambassador aka Rap Doctor aka Mr. Versatile, Okyeame Kwame who didn’t disappoint as he took the stage with his team of dancers who choreographed every song in a perfectly synchronised delivery.
Awardees at the event were Okyeame Kwame, Kwabena Kwabena, Amakye Dede, Daddy Lumba (DL), AB Crentsil, Kofi Sammy, Pat Thomas, Paapa Yankson, Efya, OJ, King Shabo Band, George Forest and Harmonious Choral Group.
The President of MUSIGA, Bice Osei Kuffuor aka Obour was visibly happy about the show and commended Citi FM for the initiative to also reward Ghanaian musicians. Responding to the GHS 2000 cash prize added to the Lifetime Achievement Award given to four great Highlife musicians by the Enterprise Group, Obour told Ismail Akwei that if it’s possible to add cash prizes to awards, it will make musicians happy especially the aged.
“Awards are recognitions and it is not necessary to recognise people with money but if you can it will be great,” he added.
The Chief Executive Officer of Citi FM, Samuel Atta Mensah said the impact of the festival has made them content with its outcome and they think it is a worthy cause. He called on other companies to support such initiatives.
Click on 'Photos' to see pictures of the event. Watch the reaction of patrons in the video below as Paapa Yankson took his turn to entertain the audience.
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