Born in 1947 in Sekondi in the western part of Ghana, Nana Gyedu-Blay Ambolley is a singer, songwriter, producer, interpreter, multi-instrumentalist, inventor of rap music and “afro-funk-legend”.
The Ghanaian musical legend started his musical career in the 1960s, he learned from musical legends Ebo Taylor and Sammy Larteh who he later played with in the Uhuru Dance Band. Gyedu-Blay Ambolley is credited with Twi Rap hiplife and his dynamic music genre ‘Simigwa’, his ‘Simigwa Do’ song which was released in 1973 made him popular in West Africa after Soundway Records included it in their very first Anthology, Ghana Soundz.
Gyedu-Blay Ambolley is said to be the originator of Rap culture to the world with his popular Simigwa Do song. Ambolley in his career led many song bands after his hit song including his own personal band which he went on world tours with. He celebrated his Silver Jubilee in music in the year 1998.
Gyedu-Blay Ambolley performed on stage with some of the world’s most celebrated African and international artists, such as Miriam Makeba of South Africa, the late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti of Nigeria, the late George Howard, Angela Bofill, Norman Connors, Manu Dibango, Lakeside, Chikuzan Takahashi of Japan, Ricardo Estrada of Cuba, Mayuto Correa of Brazil and toured Ghana with Oscar Brashear and Michael Session.
Gyedu-Blay Ambolley has 30 albums to his credit and has received several honours and awards including a citation in the USA from the City Council of Philadelphia, read by Councilwoman Honorable Jannie Blackwell and Hon. Stanley J. Staughter in recognition of the musician’s contributions to Ghanaian music in the USA., Most Consistent Artist — Ghana (1980), Album and Song of the Year — Ghana (1990), Trend Music Awards — Ivory Coast (1997) to mention a few.
By: Caleb Asante Annor
