Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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AFRICAN BROTHERS INTERNATIONAL BAND

Ghanian band and concert party formed '63, led by Nana Kwame Ampadu (b Kwahu, eastern Ghana). Top highlife electric guitar band comprising up to 12 musicians: four guitarists make criss-cross network of sound, backed by percussionists, vocalists and "Ancient' Amuah on keyboards. First big hit '67 with single "Ebi Tie Ye' ("Some Are Sitting Well'), followed by single hits until first LP '71 marked them as one of most popular bands in Ghana, Ampadu as leading singer, guitarist, arranger, composer, with entertaining, thoughtful lyrics full of social commentary, also active in musician's union and defender of highlife heritage. Over 50 LPs and 70 singles since '67 maintained popularity with variety of new dance beats incl. Locomotive, Afro- reggae, Afro-hili and Odonson highlife. Growing international reputation led to albums becoming available in UK and USA (on Makossa) incl. Agatha '81, Me Poma '84 (on Rounder USA), Obi Doba '85. Appeared in Channel 4 UK TV film Repercussions '84 playing both in London and Ghana; also tours in recent years of USA, Europe. Eddie Donkor, rhythm guitarist and founder member, left mid-'70s to form own group the Simple Seven, had dance hits e.g. "Jemima Medley', "Asiko Darling', "Destiny'.