Highlife, Jazz and neo-classical African music enthusiasts in Accra will have something to savour this weekend as the +233 Jazz Bar and Grill hosts singer, composer and saxophonist Gyedu Blay Ambolley and his Sekondi Band on Saturday, August 31 and the Pan-African Youth Orchestra (PAYO) on Sunday, September 1.
For music lovers who lean toward Highlife and Jazz, Ambolley is the man. He has Highlife grooves embedded in him but he can also wear his Jazz hat and stay a lot on his tenor sax
whenever the spirit grips him.
Whichever way, the man who grew up and developed his unique Simigwa rap and dance
on the famous Asamansudo 11th Street in Sekondi, knows how to blend his two favourite styles for full effect.
He was recently due for a 15-state tour of the United States but the programme has been pushed to early in 2025. He wants his fans here to hear the solid package he and his band put together for the postponed trip.
The Sekondi Band toured the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany and Morocco in 2023.
They aim to constantly sound fresh on their travels since they are closely monitored by leading global tour agents looking for outstanding African acts.
“Getting called regularly to play abroad is testimony that we spread good vibes wherever we go. We certainly have enjoyable stuff up our sleeves for the upcoming gig and that’s why everyone should come by for a good time from 9.00 pm with our two surprise guests,” Ambolley stated.
It will be the turn of the Pan-African Youth Orchestra (PAYO) from 8.00 pm on Sunday, September 1 in a concert of neo-classical African music.
PAYO is a collection of young talented players who explore different dimensions of African music on instruments like the Atenteben flute, gyile xylophone, kora and an assortment of African drums, bells and shakers.
The orchestra has played across Ghana and featured at well-known festivals such as MASA in Cote d’Ivoire and Felabration in Nigeria. It has also collaborated with notable acts in places such as South Africa, the United States and Israel.
Its repertoire includes exciting re-worked versions of contemporary popular music by Fela Anikulapo Kuti and Osibisa. Star kora player, Seydou Diarra, will be a guest performer at the programme.
