After 10 weeks of production, the first season of the highly revered music radio show, ‘The Library’ hosted by Andy Dosty, aired its final episode on Hitz FM on Friday.

The final episode was featured legendary audio engineer, record producer, and songwriter, Jeff Tennyson Quaye, popularly known as JAY-Q’s productions.

Although the 4-week run was not enough to draw the curtain on JAY-Q’s catalogue and the stories behind his works, a decision had to be taken by the production team to see the end of the first season and begin the next season.

Before Q’s session, ‘’The Library’’ had covered renowned audio engineers like Edward Nana Poku, known to many in the showbiz circle as Da’ Hammer (Last Two), and the stories behind his productions; the artists he managed. The session with Da’ Hammer took three episodes [weeks] to narrate in full.

Hammer of the Last Two

Known for producing works for Obrafour (“Yaanom”), Kwaw Kese (“Kwakwa”), Tinny (“Makola Kwakwe”), Jaydee (“Alampan”), Edem’s “U Dey Craze”, Sarkodie’s “Saa Okodie No” just to mention a few, the record producer etched his name in the history of Ghanaian music genre, Hiplife; shining the spotlight on a lot of artistes we know of today.

By dealing with “stubborn” artistes, and instilling discipline and professional work ethics in them, he helped in nurturing the habit of hard work and the essence of consistency in these artistes and tools to achieving success in the music business.

In between Da’ Hammer’s 3-week session on ‘The Library’, the CEO of Last Two Music Group spoke about his benevolence - although he was known for being autocratic towards the artistes he worked with; his acute sense of discovering talents and making them feel like superstars; and how he successfully managed to evolve and impact on the current sound being churned out in the country today.

As a pioneer, Da’ Hammer did not have to boast about his contribution to the Ghanaian music scene; the resurgence of the Hiplife genre, and his immense influence on the success of various musicians in Ghana. These stellar contributions are well documented.

Bessa Simons

The talented keyboardist, songwriter, singer, and record producer also revealed some tales behind his works on ‘The Library’ in three episodes.

The founder of the Bessa Band is also known for his production works for Tagoe Sisters, Daughters of Glorious Jesus, George Jaraah, Papa Yankson, Pat Thomas, C.K Mann, Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, Ebo Taylor, Yaw Sarpong, and more.

Bessa, affectionately called “Uncle Bessa” by many industry players, is renowned for his self-produced singles “Awowye”, “Belembe”, “Sii Nana”, “Basia”, “Who Do You Talk To”, and more.

The one-time member of the legendary music band, Osibisa, is also credited for his contributions to the legendary group’s hits like “Sunshine Day”, “Kokorokoo”, “The Coffee Song”, “Ojah Awake”, “The Dawn”, “The Warrior”, “Who’s Got the Paper” among others.

With almost three decades of experience in music production, and touring the world with Osibisa, Uncle Bessa has now taken a different direction in the business – music administration. He is now contesting for the position of President of the Musicians Union of Ghana [MUSIGA], of which its elections are postponed indefinitely.

JAY-Q

The last recording engineer and producer to be featured on the radio series was Jeff Quaye who produced over two hundred hit songs, over two decades which included song-writing.

He is Known for his signature “broken glass” sound on songs like “Klublofo” by Buk-Bak, “Sradinam” by Castro Destroyer, “16 Years” by MzBel, “Monkey Chop Banana” by Nkasei, “Na Who Cause Am” by Dr Poh, “Jacket” by Praye, “Besin” by VIP, which he adjudged as some of his personal favourite among his productions for the group; and many other bangers.

With similar qualities as his good friend, Da’ Hammer, JAY-Q saw the potential and talent in artistes who were struggling to find their feet in the music business back in the 90s, and the early 2000s.

He “fathered” a host of up-and-coming artistes back in the day – shaped their writing skills; polished their singing and composition prowess; groomed and transformed their appearances, and beamed them to the world, although he did not have a dedicated record label.

One quality that distinguished JAY-Q from the rest of his contemporaries, thus making him the greatest producer of his generation was his ability to craft beats across different genres – from highlife to hiplife to hip hop. In short, JAY-Q is a ‘’genre-less’’ producer.

According to fellow record producer, Da’ Hammer, JAY-Q is one of the fastest-working producers he had ever encountered in his life. He is gifted with the ability to compose, record, mix, and master songs within a very short time. He could record a 10-track album in a day and finish mixing and mastering it the following day.

His speed and alacrity were immeasurable and fascinating. He didn’t allow the limited music technology available during the late 90s and 2000s to slow his music recording and making prowess.

Conclusion; and what to expect in Season two

For the past two and a half months, music fans and, industry players, have kept their ears glued to Hitz FM and their eyes fixated on the radio station’s Twitter page, (@Hitz1039FM) for real-time updates on the ‘The Library’.

The programme, aired between the hours of 10:00am till 12 noon on Fridays, is designed to unveil untold stories behind the works of producers, and the artistes they have worked with.

The second season of ‘The Library’ is in development. The date on which the first episode will air will be announced in due course.

The following record producers; WillisBeatz, Kaywa, Dan Bassey, and Quick Action have been “cast” to feature in the second season of the franchise — and that’s your “spoiler”.