Veteran highlife artiste, Daniel Amakye Dede has revealed the circumstances that led to his long-lasting music career.
He said he almost gave up on doing music in Ghana but after selling records in Nigeria, his perspective changed for the better.
“In fact, there was a time I decided to quit music because it wasn’t easy doing music in Ghana in those days. I had to sometimes beg my producer at the time for my records to be released for sales. So I decided to go to Nigeria, whilst there I composed ‘To be a man na war’ and God being so good the record attracted the attention of many,” he told Becky on E Vibes.
He added that the record was so popular that it got sold out.
"That was how the musical journey began,” he said.
Amakye Dede began his career in 1973 when he joined the Kumapim Royals as a composer and vocalist.
This band, led by Akwasi Ampofo Agyei (AAA), had hits such as “Abebi Bewua Eso”, “Wanware Me A”, “Odo Mani Agyina”, and the seminal “Ohohoo Batani”.
Amakye Dede moved to Nigeria where he had his hit “Jealousy go shame”.
He then formed his own band, the Apollo High Kings, in 1980. He dominated the highlife scene in the 1980s and 1990s and has continued to have hit songs since then.
The ace highlife musician has headlined so many concerts locally and internationally. He has over 20 albums to his credit and has experimented with different genres; soca, calypso, lovers rock and pop music.
Some of his popular songs include ‘Handkerchief,’ ‘Seniwa,’ ‘Brebrebe yi,’ ‘Mensuro,’ ‘Mabre,’ ‘Broken Promises,’ ‘Nsuo Amuna,’ ‘Sokoo na mmaa pe,’ ‘To be a man na war,’ and ‘Iron Boy,’ among others.
Amakye Dede was installed a chief (Okyreadom I) by the Omanhene of Asante Akyem Agogo, Nana Kwame Akuoko Sarpong in 2018.
E Vibes is a weekly programme that delves into the background of the country’s celebrated personalities who are doing tremendous work in their chosen field of work cutting across sectors.
Latest Stories
-
GPL: Accra Lions beat Hearts of Oak to go third
22 mins -
Seek higher grounds as rains intensify – GMet warns
56 mins -
May Day: Sam Ankrah promises to prioritise welfare and well-being of workers if elected president
1 hour -
Bawumia plans door-to-door campaign for 2024 polls
1 hour -
GAF condemns ‘unprovoked’ fatal shooting of soldier in Kasoa land dispute
1 hour -
OSP’s request for money laundering probe against Cecilia Dapaah baseless – AG advises EOCO
2 hours -
Obofour Raphael releases ‘Asem Yi Di Ka’ EP
2 hours -
‘Operation Clean Your Surroundings’: Popular Kenkey joint and public toilets in Takoradi shut down
2 hours -
GFA boss Kurt Okraku graces Dreams FC’s dinner to celebrate CAF Confederation Cup exploits
3 hours -
We’ve intensified efforts to combat misinformation, hate speech ahead of elections- Akufo-Addo
3 hours -
Sekondi-Takoradi: STMA/Joy News’ ‘Operation Clean Your Surroundings’ taskforce arrest 10 for open defecation
3 hours -
Joy Prime’s Prime Morning celebrates May Day with gallant Officers of Ghana Navy
3 hours -
YAWC Network Ghana chapter holds National summit in Accra
4 hours -
Memories of a Baby Univers
4 hours -
Akufo-Addo calls for peaceful elections, says politics shouldn’t divide us
4 hours