Amamere

Amamere, an exciting new music project from Cape Coast, Ghana, brings a breath of fresh air to the highlife tradition, blending the distinctive guitar highlife of the 1970s with an Afro-funky vintage style. Formed by drummer and composer Rim Akandoh Jnr., the band draws inspiration from Ghana's rich musical history while adding a modern, energetic twist.

The debut album "Man Shall Be Free" combines newly mixed classics from the repertoire of Rim Akandoh Jnr’s father – the ‘Mighty’ Rim Akandoh and his Prince Sparrows Band – including pieces from the Osoode medley tradition of Western Ghana as well as their own new compositions. The songs not only pick up on the pulsating rhythm of highlife but also transport the lyrical depth of proverbial wisdom. Thematically, the album moves between everyday experiences, love and socio-political reflections and presents a rousing sound that combines tradition and modernity. The roots of traditional highlife is condensed into a danceable groove with driving horns and complex percussion structures.

The eight-piece band consists of experienced musicians, including John Hakeem on lead vocals, Rim Akandoh Jnr. on drums, Eric Aseidu Agyekum on guitar, Emmanuel Adjei on trumpet and flugal horn, Daniel Yiadom Adarkwa on saxophone, Michael Awuni on keyboard, and Dominic Ansah on percussion. Amamere combines the classic highlife tradition with new, pulsating elements and, as highlife legend Ebo Taylor puts it: "Rim Akandoh Jnr. brings the highlife of our time into the future".