Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Night of Tribute to Glen Ghanababa Warren

On December 14, 2011, news broke that our comrade and friend Glen Ghanababa Warren had passed on.

In the spirit of camaraderie the monday groove on 16thJan, hosted a night of tribute for Glenn which brought some of his friends and close family relatives around including about 6 media houses that interested in covering the event.

It was night of humble appreciation for what Glen stood for, his music and lifestyle.  

Having known him as close pal, Kwesi Pratt Jnr, shared interesting stories about his friendship with Glen as he hosted the night's event.

Kwesi Pratt jnr. Paying tribute to his late friend Glenn Ghanababa Warren, who died on 13thDec2011, the son of Kofi Ghanaba,the inventor of Afro-jazz.
Glen was born to a father, Kofi Ghanaba, who was revolutionary by all standards and a great friend of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Founder of the Republic of Ghana.
Milena from the Cuban Embassy attended the night of tribute 

Kofi Ghanaba believed that Africa music and musical instruments were not inferior to those produced in the West and set out on a mission to put traditional African music on the same pedestal.

Revolutionary poet, Nii Lante Okunka [also known as Haya Faya] pouring libation at the night of tribute in remembrance of Glen Ghanababa


He introduced African drums and flute instruments into traditional Western jazz music and by the time of his death had become one of the worlds's most accomplished African jazz musicians.

Glen learnt at the feet of the great Ghanaba and started his musical carrier at primary school. At the tender age of 12, Glen could play more than 10 different drums at the same time. Below is a video of Glen playing together with his father, Kofi Ghanaba.

At the Adisadel College in Cape Coast he became a founding member of the first student band in Ghana.

Glen payed with musical giants such as Fela Ransome Kuti, Elton John, Hugh Masekela and Kool and the Gang.

He passionately believed in taking African music to the dizzy heights of world stardom.

1 comment:

LANG T.K.A. NUBUOR said...

This is a beautiful initiative to enable us know of events at the Centre. I was at the event and was impressed with the modest programme. It fitted the size of the available space. I believe Glen was well honoured. The contribution of J.B.Back Again was good. Nii Lante spread goose pimples all over me. There was also an electrifying poem by a young man who preceded it with an authentic Ewe song. Papa Yen, thanks for your poem. Congratulations. Good luck, comrades.

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