Dr. Amu, the legend
Dr. Ephraim Amu composed over two hundred works in Ewe, Twi, Ga and English with inspiring lyrics that evinced an abiding love for Ghana. His choral works are thought provoking, patriotic and inspirational.
Yɛŋ ara asase ni continues to inspire Ghanaian nationalism, and has become a "national song" of Ghana, played at ceremonial functions and also as a closing song by Ghana Television. Emeritus Prof. J.H. Kwabena Nketia, (a composer, ethnomusicologist and a writer) has called Dr. Amu the single greatest influence on the development of Art Music in contemporary Ghana. He played traditional drums, flutes, increased the pitch range of the Atenteben and Odurugya and created the Odurugyaba.
Apart from his musical accomplishments, Dr. Ephraim Amu tried to arouse in the African, consciousness and pride. He believed in re-igniting the African identity, ethical, social and political values. He pioneered and encouraged the "Africanization" of the church by way of introducing the singing of Ghanaian songs during worship. He preached simplicity in every aspect of life, and adopted the "jompe" and shorts with traditional cloth, Kente, as formal dressing. He lived by the philosophy that, "simplicity is the best method of design" and taught people who came in contact with him how to "do it yourself" as a sure way of survival.
Dr. Ephraim Amu introduced African drumming and songs into the Presbyterian Training College, Akropong, where he taught (1925-1933). Mounting the pulpit dressed in kente, an act considered abominable by the authorities got him fired. However, Achimota College embraced him and allowed him to teach his revolutionary and culturally proud programmes. He continued this through Kumasi College of Technology, now Kwame Nkrumah University of Sicence and Technology, University of Ghana and beyond to Liberia, Great Britain and the United States of America. It is worthy of note that now the kente strip is worn by Reverend Ministers of the Gospel. Besides, our Ghanaian Presidents, from the time of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah in the 1950's and through the years, have worn kente in one way or the other as they are sworn in to take up office. Ghanaian Ambassadors to other countries are seen clad beautifully in kente as they present credential letters.
Patriotism often manifests itself through deep concern for a country or community. In the late 1970's, Tata Amu decided to beat his drums on the Ghanaian political platform. Thus, in January 1979, he emerged the leader of a new political organization, PATRIOTIC ALLIANCE.
Apart from his musical accomplishments, Dr. Ephraim Amu tried to arouse in the African, consciousness and pride. He believed in re-igniting the African identity, ethical, social and political values. He pioneered and encouraged the "Africanization" of the church by way of introducing the singing of Ghanaian songs during worship. He preached simplicity in every aspect of life, and adopted the "jompe" and shorts with traditional cloth, Kente, as formal dressing. He lived by the philosophy that, "simplicity is the best method of design" and taught people who came in contact with him how to "do it yourself" as a sure way of survival.
Dr. Ephraim Amu introduced African drumming and songs into the Presbyterian Training College, Akropong, where he taught (1925-1933). Mounting the pulpit dressed in kente, an act considered abominable by the authorities got him fired. However, Achimota College embraced him and allowed him to teach his revolutionary and culturally proud programmes. He continued this through Kumasi College of Technology, now Kwame Nkrumah University of Sicence and Technology, University of Ghana and beyond to Liberia, Great Britain and the United States of America. It is worthy of note that now the kente strip is worn by Reverend Ministers of the Gospel. Besides, our Ghanaian Presidents, from the time of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah in the 1950's and through the years, have worn kente in one way or the other as they are sworn in to take up office. Ghanaian Ambassadors to other countries are seen clad beautifully in kente as they present credential letters.
Patriotism often manifests itself through deep concern for a country or community. In the late 1970's, Tata Amu decided to beat his drums on the Ghanaian political platform. Thus, in January 1979, he emerged the leader of a new political organization, PATRIOTIC ALLIANCE.
