Mary Naa Amanua Dodoo, known widely in music circles simply as Naa Amanua, was pleasantly surprised when she was honoured with a citation by the Lipstick Queens on August 30 during the all-female band’s Homowo concert at the +233 Jazz Bar and Grill in Accra.

Naa Amanua was the lead singer for the famous Wulomei folkloric group and is celebrated for her delightful singing on many of the group’s hits. She also sang with the Suku Troupe.

She was one of the guest performers at the Homowo concert where sections of the audience happily danced to her renditions of Wulomei classics like Meridian, Mbe Shi Dinn and KK Mingbo.

The citation read: “Your hard work and talent as well as barrier-breaking contribution to music helped pave the way for many in the field, including us. Thank you for being such an inspiration to us.

“You are a musical artist of the highest calling who didn’t sound like anyone else. Thanks for blessing us all with your perfect voice that touched so many people on so many levels: spiritually, emotionally and physically.

“We want you to know how much we appreciate your wonderful contribution to the musical landscape. We can’t praise you enough for sharing your awesome musical talent with the whole world. Ayekoo!”

Naa Amanua in a response, said she was highly touched by the thoughtfulness shown by Lipstick Queens and wished them well on their musical journey and thanked everyone around for the warm response to her.

The concert was a well-attended affair with some Ga royalty in the audience. Former Wulomei singer, Showboy, kicked off the performances with his newly-formed 14-piece Noryaloi International Band.

Essi, a product of TV3’s 2011 Talented Kids contest also came on with her group. She appeared a little nervous initially but picked herself up for a fairly entertaining dose of her own material. She’s a young act who certainly has the potential to mature and get bigger attention along the way.

Wo Man Ne Cultural Troupe from Korle Gonno were also in the house. The Lipstick Queens then backed Lady Talata who featured Fiifi Selah on a track, Adotey Tetor, Adane Best and Epixode before claiming the stage for themselves for more music for guests late into the night.

It was on the whole, a jolly night of music that went down well with the appreciative audience.