The Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) was filled to capacity on Friday, August 4, 2023, as music lovers from all over Ghana gathered to celebrate the life and music of legendary Highlife musician Pat Thomas.
The “Pat Thomas Highlife Night” concert was a star-studded event, with performances by some of Ghana’s biggest music stars, including KK Fosu, Kwabena Kwabena, Okyeame Kwame,Daughters of Glorious Jesus, Oheneba Kissi and Sherifa Gunu.
The concert also featured special appearances by President Nana Addo-Dankwah Akufo-Addo, former President John Agyekum Kufuor , former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, and aspiring presidential candidate of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), John Alan Kyeremanten.
The concert was a celebration of Pat Thomas’s long and illustrious career in music. He is a Ghanaian highlife legend, and his songs have been enjoyed by generations of fans. The 76-year-old is known for his hit songs such as “Sika Ye Mogya”, “Mewo Akoma,” and “Odo Adaada”.
Speaking at the concert, President Akufo-Addo eulogised the legendary Ghanaian musician as one of Ghana’s biggest music exports, having graced some of the biggest music stages around the world.
“It is with great pleasure that I join you today, Founders’ Day, to celebrate the illustrious legacy of one of Ghana’s most remarkable musicians, Pat Thomas. I like highlife and Pat Thomas is one of my best musicians ”
“Music plays an important part of our lives in Ghana. It is personal and national. I love music, especially highlife music, and at every chance I would listen and dance to the likes of Pat Thomas, Amakye Dede, Daddy Lumba, Gyedu Blay Ambolley, and CK Mann, among others.
“Music has made Ghana famous, and the contribution of Ghanaian music producers in the industry also deserves commendation,” President Akufo-Addo stated.
President Akufo-Addo noted that Pat Thomas’ music transcended borders and that he had taken Ghanaian music very far, having played shows in Germany, France, Spain, Finland, Australia, Macedonia, and Cape Verde, among others.
“Today, we gather not only to celebrate his incredible musical journey, but also to appreciate the rich cultural heritage that his music embodies. His talent, dedication, and passion for music has united people from diverse backgrounds, and I am proud to call Pat Thomas a fellow Ghanaian,” The President added
The concert was also a way to raise money for the Pat Thomas Music Foundation in order to set up a music school at Agona in the Ashanti Region to train young talents.
The “Pat Thomas Highlife Night” concert was a huge success. The audience were treated to a night of great music, and they were able to celebrate the life and music of one of Ghana’s most beloved musicians.
Watch how President Akufo-Addo arrived at the concert
