The family of the late Ghanaian musician, John Yaw Asante Opoku, better known as Jon K, has decided to donate to Adisadel College (Adisco) in Cape Coast to support the development of music in the school.
Jon K was a keyboardist, singer-songwriter, recording artiste and music producer who died in 1999. Adisco is his Alma Mater.
According to his sister, Naa Brakoa Opoku, a portion of the proceeds to be realized from the scheduled tribute concert for him at the +233 Jazz Bar & Grill in Accra on Saturday, July 20, will be given to Adisco to help the continued growth of music in the school.
“My brother was so proud of Adisco and the school’s music heritage. He became a prominent musician later in life largely due to the nourishing musical atmosphere that existed on the campus when he was there in the 1970s,” Naa Brakoa said.
The first student Jazz band in this country was started around 1963 at Adisco. A commendable music tradition has been maintained at the school over the years despite the occasional challenges with securing equipment for the boys.
Products of Adisco’s exemplary music heritage in recent years include the 2023 Ghana Music Awards (GMA) Instrumentalist of the Year, guitarist Prince Hakeem; singer Nana Fynn; singer/rappers Wanlov and Mensa; manager/producers Duke and Kiki Banson and the late Hiplife star, Terry Bonchaka.
“We are aware of what Adisco has achieved over the years by way of music and we want to make some input to help sustain the worthy tradition,” said Naa Brakoa.
Performers on the bill at the Jon K tribute concert are Bessa Simons and his Bessa Band, Okyeame Kwame, Pozo Hayes, Joe Osei, Paulina Oduro and Amandzeba.
Apart from the three albums under his name: ‘Adowa’ (1987), ‘Asaboni’ (1989) and ‘Gidigidi’ (1993), Jon K also produced songs for others including Ben Brako, Western Diamonds and Thomas Frimpong.
He formed Village Communications company with his friend, Richard Prempeh and they produced the famous ‘Taxi Driver’ television series that had Psalm Adjeteyfio in the lead role.
His widow, Stephanie Gallat and their two children are in Accra from Italy for the concert.
Pix caption: The late Jon K
