In 1997, singer Kojo Essah got four friends including guitarist Cliff Asante, together to, start the Takashi band. Their aim then was to create a blend of music that retains a strong African identity but accessible to all shades of music lovers. Ten years down the line, the band’s membership and instrumentation have changed but the trademark scintillating African melodies still remain. The band, now expanded to ten members, is in full flow every Saturday and Sunday evening at the African Village of the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra. Kojo Essah is flanked in the front row by veteran George Ammisah and Roy Niikoi on saxophones and Cliff Asante on accoustic guitar. The rest of the setup comprises an assortment of local percussion instruments. A contraption of about 20 bells with distinct tones add a delightful flavour to the band’s sound. When Graphic Showbiz caught up with the band at the African Village last Saturday, the repertoire included original works as well as rearrangements of popular Ghanaian, Caribbean and Latin pieces. Essah later said plain tenacity to stay together and do something different is what has kept them going for the past ten years. ‘We want to continue with our Afro centric approach because there’s a big room for it here and elsewhere. The nature of our clientele tells you discerning people are hungry for our style of music.” The group appears to be the darling of the diplomatic community and has played at several of their functions. It has also livened up product launches and social activities by a lot of the Accra-based banks. Takasbie is planning a free out-door show in Accra later in the year at which the band’s new recording will be launched to mark its 10th anniversary. Showbiz