African Brothers Band - Have African Feeling

"Nana Ampadu wo he?" (Where is Nana Ampadu?) the Manager Rover Amo, asked Joe Dee. The time was exactly 7:45 a.m in that Summer morning. The recording was billed to commence at exactly 8 a.m., but Nana Ampadu I, the Leader, was not in the Studio. Rover Amo was wondering what had become of him. Donkor, Joe, Asare and others were discussing the issue. An unmistakable sign of dejection and consternation began to show up in their faces. The studio had been booked for only an hour and it was just a few minutes to 8 a.m. The studio manager had arrived, followed by the producer, Mr. Akie Dean. The instruments had been fixed and just as they were tunning their guitars, Nana strutted in, looking cheerful and feeling on top of the morning. 

"Me ma mo Akye ooh" Nana said, 

meaning (Good morning). Exhiliration filled in them and hilarious smile began to steal up in their faces. Nana strapped his guitar and fixed the wah-wah peddle. Rover Amo then whispered to Nana Ampadu, "Just give me a meddley LP, and give me the best, Okey?"

"Right, Amo" Nana Ampadu whispered back. Nana Ampadu turned to the Guys and enunciated,  

"You all know we are Africans, play with an African feeling, Okey?"

 

Mr. Akie Dean took his mic and the electronic device  b o o m e d .........

D o w n l o a d

Tribute To D.K. at Bentleyfunk

I would like to direct you to the blog "Bentleyfunk," which recently posted a copy of the African Brothers' album Tribute to D.K last week. This album has been on my mind recently, and I figured many readers might not be aware of its availability online. Founder of such Ghanaian record labels as Obobua, Aduana, and Happy Bird, D.K. Nyarko served as the producer of the African Brothers Band starting in 1967. This album was recorded after Mr. Nyarko's death, and features four subdued & emotional songs dedicated to him. Of particular note is the deep "Kyeremirekuku" and an unusual rendition of a traditional flute dirge played on the organ at the beginning of the third tack. Please enjoy this absolutely wonderful album.

African Brothers Band - Ma Me Nsu Ma Wo

D.K. Nyarko

Update: As Moos has kindly pointed out, the blog Bentleyfunk seems to no longer exist. I've uploaded the original download from this now defunct blog.  Download Tribute to D.K.  HERE.

"Miss African Brothers Band"

Interesting history about Ghana's legendary African Brothers Band from leader Nana Kwame Ampadu's personal website:

"Since 1969, the African Brothers Band organized a yearly “Miss African Brothers Band Int.” which was very highly patronized. The criteria for the competition was not so stringent but was limited to females who were not above 25 years only. Any contestant who won was crowned Miss African Brothers Band for that year, won a cash prize and records of the band, and was also privileged to attend any of the band commercials or private functions free of charge. The 1st and 2nd runner-ups were also given befitting prizes. The contestants prepared themselves well, especially with hairdo, make-ups and dresses where some were proudly sponsored by designers. The competition was carried on for 9 years from 1969-1978."

  
- http://www.nanakwameampadu.com/history.htm

Emelia - African Brothers Band

African Brothers Band - Odo Paa Nie

"This album "ODO PAA NIE" produced in London is symbolic fact that besides highlife music which the band is the "tops" in Ghana, it has a wider and a larger repertoire of songs and space-age tempos and melodies. This is the 10th album of the band and it sends to its listeners one big message "LOVERS MUST LOVE"."

Download

 

I've also uploaded another selection from the Repercussions documentary "Africa Come Back," this one featuring a live performance of "Agatha" by Nana Kwame Ampadu and his African Brothers Band. Enjoy it!