Ghana mourns death of highlife maestro Nana Ampadu

The musician reportedly succumbed to an undisclosed illness. The news was confirmed by his grandson on local radio station Hitz FM. 

The singer, guitarist and composer is widely hailed as a towering figure in the Ghanaian music scene and an important storyteller of his generation.

The news of his death has been met with an outpouring of grief from fellow musicians.

“In Nana Ampadu, Akan folklore and heritage were safeguarded forever thanks to his incredible artistry of storytelling, deep, conscious lyrics and composition,” Super Opong Stars frontman Kyekyeku told Music in Africa. “The great Ghanaian bandleader with whom I share the same name is the biggest reason I came to adore the beauty of guitar-band highlife from Ghana.”

Trumpeter Berima Amo said: “He was a strict disciplinarian and took his craft very seriously. He believed it must be done well. He taught me a lot about highlife music. I'm so grateful that he lived this long for me to sit with him one on one. If he was of another nationality he would have a statue. He is the greatest songwriter Ghana has ever produced.”

Highlife singer Dada Hafco wrote on Facebook: “The biggest of all the trees has fallen. You touched millions with your music and also influenced an entire generation. Journey well king.”

Veteran broadcaster Kofi Okyere Darko wrote on Twitter: "Undoubtedly the greatest! A life well lived. Rest well Anwonmofuo-penyin Nana Kwame Ampadu."

A former general secretary for the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), Ampadu was the founder of the well-known African Brothers Band, and rose to national prominence in 1967 with his hit ‘Ebi Te Yie’. The musician was considered a master lyricist who was behind more than 800 compositions, most notably ‘Getty’, ‘Oman Bo Adwo’, ‘Kofi Nkrabea’, ‘Yaw Berko’ and ‘Obi Benya Wo’,

Ampadu’s career saw him travel around the world and amass many impressive accolades. In 2015, he was honoured with the Lifetime 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.

Ampadu was a mentor to several musicians including Sam Derchie, Teacher Boateng, Nanaba Amoako, Senior Eddie Donkor and Prince Osei Kofi. More recently, he had worked with top artists including rapper Sarkodie.