President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of Ghana has on Wednesday, joined millions of other Ghanaians to mourn the passing of Legendary musician, Nana Ampadu.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo who in a statement released on Wednesday 29th September 2021, expressed shock and sadness over the passing of Nana Ampadu, described the late music maestro and high-life legend, as someone who believed in his vision for the transformation of Ghana, saying:
“I have learnt, with great sadness, of the death of one of Ghana’s musical icons, the legendary high-life artiste, Nana Ampadu. The outpouring of grief by many Ghanaians, following the news of his death, is an appreciation of the impact his music had on successive generations of Ghanaians.
Nana Ampadu believed in my vision for the transformation of Ghana, and assisted me tremendously on the campaign trail in the run-up to my victory in the elections of 2016, for which I remain eternally grateful. His was a life well-lived, and he will be sorely missed.
My deep condolences to his widow, children and family. Rest in perfect peace, Nana, and may the Almighty keep you in His Bosom until the Last Day of the Resurrection when we shall all meet again. Amen.
Nana Ampadu, da yie, Nyame nfa wo kra nsie,” he added.
The Ghanaian highlife musician Ampadu died at a hospital in Accra on 28 September. He died from an undisclosed illness and was 76.
The singer, guitarist and composer is widely hailed as a towering figure in the Ghanaian music scene and an important storyteller of his generation.
Ampadu is the founder of the famous African Brothers Band, and rose to national prominence in 1967 with his hit ‘Ebi Te Yie’. the musician is considered a master lyricist who is believed to be behind more than 800 compositions, notably ‘Getty’, ‘Oman Bo Adwo’, ‘Kofi Nkrabea’, ‘Yaw Berko’ and ‘Obi Benya Wo’, among others.
Ampadu’s career saw him travel around the world and amassing many impressive accolades. In 2015, the singer was honoured with the Life Time Achievement Award at the 16th annual Vodafone Ghana Music Awards. In 2017, he was among five highlife artists honoured at the Presidential Grand Ball where he received a plaque and a cash prize.
Ampadu was a mentor to several musicians including Sam Derchie, Teacher Boateng, Nanaba Amoako, Senior Eddie Donkor and Prince Osei Kofi. More recently, he has worked with top artists including rapper Sarkodie.