By Alexander Nyarko Yeboah, GNA
Tema Aug 7, GNA — Ghanaians said their final farewell to Jewel Ackah, one of the nation’s most celebrated highlife artists, in a well attendant funeral celebrations at the heart of Tema.
Jewel Ackah, seen as someone who has contributed immensely to the development of the Ghanaian highlife brand, received a hilarious out pouring of well wishes, tears.murmurs and nostalgia on a day he was interred.
The funeral celebrations, which took place at the Complex School Park, Community 11, on Saturday, saw thousands of people from all walks of life including; politicians, musicians, clergy, the young and old attending.
The Musician Association of Ghana (MUSIGA), in their tribute, said Mr. Ackah made impact “beyond the pale of musicians and their fans. Indeed there is no gain saying that you will be remembered for your fearless commitment to your ideals.”
His family told of how he helped to popularize highlife music in the late 1980s and 1990s, and how he became a role model to many young men and women who had the passion to sing.
“His sweet voice and exciting Fante lyrics made him an exceptional and well sought-after artist,” they said.
In a tribute, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which had their anthem composed by the musician, eulogized Mr. Ackah “for the melodious music he produced for the enjoyment of all Ghanaians over the years, and for the selfless manner he put his talent and resources at the disposal of NDC from its early beginnings.”
The tribute observed that beyond the qualities of love, truth, kindness and fellow-feeling that characterized the lyrics of his songs, Mr. Ackah associated himself with the values of truth, integrity and fairness as espoused by the PNDC government during the revolutionary days.
Born in 1945, Mr. Ackah identified his gift for singing at an early age, and therefore quit his job with the shipping company, Palm Line, and joined a traditional drumming group to begin his music career.
During his long music career, he worked with Ebo Taylor, Elgrand Kwofie, Jos Akins, C.K Mann’s Carousel Seven, the ELdoradoes, the Medican Lantics, among others, before starting the ‘Butterfly Six’ band that joined other bands which shook Tema's and Ghana's musical arena.
“By virtue of his outstanding high life music, unique voice, band leadership, stage performance and costume, professionalism and affable nature, Mr. Ackah earned his place amongst the highlife legends in Ghana,” his biography indicated.
Some of his songs included: Asomdwee Hene, Sokoo Na Maa Wope, Me Dear, Mesan Mako Menkyi. He is credited with 27 record albums which included solo releases, collaborations and new versions.
Jewel Ackah was admitted at the 37 Military Hospital early this year, and passed away on the 27th of April, few weeks after his discharge. He was survived by seven children.
GNA
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