Bongofari and The Africa is Great Band: Highlights from Ghanaba Heritage Center

The vibrant world of Afro-jazz comes alive through Bongofari, an extraordinary exhibition that showcases the artistic expressions of Kofi Ghanaba, a pioneering musician and cultural icon. This groundbreaking event, held at the Ghanaba African Heritage Center in Ghana, offers a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of African music and its global influence. Visitors have the chance to explore Ghanaba's legacy and his contribution to shaping the sound of modern jazz.

The exhibition features a star-studded lineup of performances, including the renowned Africa is Great Band, who pay tribute to Ghanaba's innovative spirit. Through a carefully curated collection of artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays, Bongofari Ghana provides an immersive experience that highlights the importance of preserving and celebrating African cultural heritage. This event not only honors Ghanaba's artistic vision but also encourages a new generation of musicians and culturally aware individuals to appreciate and build upon the foundations laid by this legendary figure in Afro-jazz.

Celebrating Ghanaba's Artistic Vision

Kofi Ghanaba's innovative approach to music has had a profound impact on the world of jazz and African rhythms. In the 1950s, Ghanaba introduced Ghanaian drumming to the West, forging friendships with leading US jazz musicians. His groundbreaking work in combining African rhythms with Western harmonies emphasized the African origins of jazz, long before African music culture became fashionable.

Blending African rhythms with jazz

Ghanaba's unique style caught the attention of renowned jazz musicians. Max Roach later acknowledged, "Ghanaba was so far ahead of what we were all doing that none of us understood what he was saying - that in order for African-American music to be stronger, it must cross-fertilize with its African origins". This visionary approach has since influenced countless musicians in the United States.

Multi-disciplinary approach

Ghanaba's artistic vision extended beyond music. He led his own Cubop Quartet and worked as a journalist, supporting the nationalist ideals of his friend Kwame Nkrumah 1. His versatility was further demonstrated when he recorded a solo drum suite based on the drum music of Congo pygmies after a spiritual journey to India.

Cultural awareness theme

Ghanaba's work has had a lasting impact on cultural awareness. His emphasis on the inseparable nature of music and life in African societies has been noted by scholars. This connection between art and daily life continues to inspire contemporary artists, fostering a deeper appreciation for African cultural heritage and its global influence.

Star-Studded Performances at the Exhibition

The exhibition featured an impressive lineup of artists, showcasing the diversity and talent of Ghana's music scene. Queen Asabea, Bobo Ranking, Local Diamention, Bongofari, Mr Merror, Nutty Rankin, Mavis Atia, and Shepus Napata were among the performers who entertained the audience with their hit songs. The event highlighted Bongofari and the Africa is Great Band, emphasizing their unique blend of African rhythms and jazz influences.

Queen Asabea and Bobo Ranking

These artists delivered captivating performances, demonstrating their musical prowess and contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of the exhibition.

Local Diamention and Mr Merror

Local Diamention, a band comprising scholarly and traditionally trained musicians from diverse ethnicities, symbolized cultural convergence. Their repertoire ranged from West African guitar band highlife to palm wine music and Afrobeat, showcasing a rich tapestry of Ghanaian musical traditions

Bongofari's standout act

Bongofari's performance stood out, reflecting Ghanaba's unique approach of mixing African, Christian, and Islamic ritual elements with formal European concert performance and Ghanaian ceremony. This fusion of styles captivated the audience and paid homage to Ghanaba's innovative spirit.

The Ghanaba African Heritage Center

Mission and importance

The Ghanaba African Heritage Center (GAHC), located in New Achimota near Kingsby Hotel in Accra, aims to preserve Ghanaba's legacy and archives 5. It promotes the use of native African instruments in global music and showcases artwork from domestic and international artists 5. The center serves as a hub for celebrating African history, arts, music, and diverse cultures 

Collaboration with IARMA-FEST

GAHC collaborates with the International Afro-Reggae Music Arts Heritage and Cultural Festival (IARMA-FEST) to organize exhibitions. On July 23, they hosted an exhibition themed "I am Free Because am Culturally Aware," featuring works by Ghanaian musician Kofi Ghanaba. This event attracted creative industry stakeholders and music enthusiasts from various backgrounds 

Future events and screenings

The GAHC management team has announced plans to host a screening of the Hallelujah Chorus video. This unique production presents an African talking drum version of Handel's Hallelujah Chorus, performed by legendary drummer Ghanaba with the Winneba Youth Choir 3. The center's store also offers DVDs, CDs, and videos, alongside modern artwork for purchase 

Conclusion

The Bongofari exhibition at the Ghanaba African Heritage Center offers a remarkable journey through the world of Afro-jazz, highlighting the lasting impact of Kofi Ghanaba's artistic vision. By blending African rhythms with Western harmonies, Ghanaba paved the way for a new era in music, inspiring countless artists and fostering a deeper appreciation for African cultural heritage. The star-studded performances, particularly those by Bongofari and the Africa is Great Band, brought this legacy to life, showcasing the vibrant and diverse music scene in Ghana.

Looking ahead, the Ghanaba African Heritage Center continues to play a crucial role in preserving and promoting African arts and culture. Through its collaborations, exhibitions, and future events, the center provides a platform to celebrate African history and creativity. This ongoing commitment to cultural awareness and artistic expression ensures that Ghanaba's innovative spirit and the rich tapestry of African music will continue to inspire and influence future generations.