Washables.com

Legendary Amakye Dede rises to a 'seeeerious' occasion

It was a night etched in history on any level in Ghana. A night where music distributed its excellence into the veins of the hundreds who could not afford to miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime show fit for the gods.

It was a night to honour excellence. Excellence that took bold steps about four decades ago for a man known in real life as Daniel Amakye Dede.

Widely known as the Iron Boy, Amakye Dede’s illustrious music career was born in 1973 when he joined the Kumapim Royals as a composer and vocalist.

On Saturday, September 15, at the Accra International Conference Centre, he was the centre of attraction for some of the country’s big wigs including, former President John Agyekum Kufuor, former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flagbearer, Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo, Politician P.V. Obeng, Legendary boxer Prof Azumah Nelson, Prof Agyemang Badu Akosa, and other avid music fans.

The concert, the second in the series of the Legacy and Legacy Ball (LAL) to celebrate music legends, opened with a uniquely improvised piano and voice rendition of Ghana's national anthem by female singer, Alexandra Aboagye who had a male dancer, Nii Yartey Jnr hoisting the national flag behind her.

After that classic opener and warm-up, five male and female dancers gave patrons a breathtaking masterpiece of choreography that gave hints of what they should expect. It was followed by the first main act for the night, saxophonist, Steve Bedi, who played Akokɔ Bebondo, and Debi Debi ɛbeye yie.

Okyeame Kwame, the Rap Doctor brought a hip twist to the show; he thrilled the audience with Kobabi and followed it with some beat boxing which saw two female dancers join him on stage as people danced to antics. He performed Adikrom Nsuo to finish his act.

Musician and Big Brother Africa StarGame housemate, Eazzy got the audience waving their white handkerchiefs as she waved hers and sang Begye me Handkerchief with a slight disco beat to it. She then followed it with Yenfa odu Mbom.

Producer and engineer Nacy, after a brief talk about electoral peace got the audience screaming, jumping, dancing, and singing along to his rendition of Awere Kyekyere. His second, So Fre Wo Nyame was no different as received rave response from the audience.

There were also equally impressive performances from legendary Dasebre Gyamena, dancehall artiste, Samini, actress Nana Ama McBrown, Kwabena Kwabena and Becca. None of them failed in their quest to give the packed auditorium their money’s worth.

Ivorian great, Freddy Meiway, a special guest on the night, stunned the audience, including Amakye Dede with his rendition of Be Bre Be. Amakye even danced in his seat to Freddy Meiway's rendition of his song.

He wowed the audience with his smash hit Zoblazo, and the evergreen Miss Lolo which he dedicated to the ladies. A lady joined him on stage and Meiway serenaded her breasts to the ecstasy of the audience.

A documentary about Amakye Dede - his early life and career was played. It came to light that aside music, he was also an award-winning farmer.

After that documentary, the Iron Boy was presented with a gold-plated Legacy and Legacy Ball (LAL) plaque and a citation from the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA).

The citation was presented by hi-life great Ben Brako who said that Amakye Dede has truly played a huge role in the Ghanaian music industry and has also influenced hundreds of Ghanaian musicians. "Thank you for the role you have played in the Ghanaian music industry," he added.

MC for the night, Kwame Sefa Kaye presented him with a medal and said, "You are truly a living music legend." Amakye Dede was also presented with $20,000.

After a brief interlude, Amakye Dede took to the stage to give off what he is best known for. Dressed in camouflage, he dazzled with well known tunes such as To Be a Man, Sang ɔdɔ ɛnyɛ mo saa, ɔdɔ da babi as he jogged around and played air guitar with two female dancers behind him and the crowd singing along loudly, including the second MC for the night Akuma Mama Zimbe.

He was not done yet. He capped a splendid night with Broken Promise, Odo nti na mesu, and ɔdɔ men su - midway through that song, he gave a shout out thanking his wife Mary, who wore broad smiles.

Credits: myjoyonline.com