GYEDU-BLAY AMBOLLEY: 2013 + Beyond

by AIGERIM SAPAROVA

Photos by Mantse Aryeequaye for ACCRA [dot] ALT. Double-click on photos to enlarge.

GYEDU-BLAY AMBOLLEY | photo by MANTSE Aryeequaye [March 2013]

I was first introduced to GYEDU-BLAY AMBOLLEY’s music within the first few weeks of my arrival in Ghana at Accra’s +233 Jazz Bar + Grill. I can hardly fathom a more appropriate introduction into the Ghanaian music scene. After all, he is one of the fathers of rap, the man behind highlife, and a globally-travelled musician.

Even before discovering the constant heat that has surrounded him since the 1973 release of “Simigwado,” I could sense something special about Mr. Ambolley—a swagger that transcends time.  Now in his immediate presence, I couldn’t help but feel inclined to recognize this musical mastermind.