Coup d’états & Revolutions Killed Live Band Music

Recently there have been several drives and efforts by individuals, groups and companies to reintroduce live music in to the music scene. We have seen reality shows like Bands Alive

and Cover Version whip up interest in live band. A couple of years ago the Ghana Music Awards also introduced live band music into the ceremony. In all of these initiatives, one sure thing is the improvement of the quality of musicians and a definite rise for highlife and Jazz music.

Decades ago live band music thrived in Ghana and was the heart of our music industry. Night live was vibrant and in it's vibrancy thrived live band. It was common to have young musicians join bands and learn to play instruments and add knowledge gathered from other bands men to their knowledge base. Most of our great musicians today have previously been members of sure bands. Kojo Antwi, Pat Thomas, Ambolley and Amakye Dede are a few of the musicians who have developed on the back of live band music. One only needs to have a casual conversation with any of these stars and will immediately appreciate their depth of knowledge in music.

Unfortunately, today live band is not as vibrant and attractive as it used to be. The advent of computers and technology instead of aiding us to produce even better quality song has smashed live band. Young musicians today hardly find reasons to learn to play instruments as they either do not see it's essence or feel it's worth. In Europe and the America's where technology is appareled, live band music is still very much appreciated. Even the biggest names in hip hop still perform with live band.

In Ghana we have most of our artiste playing their Cd's back to back and jumping to it. If indeed we want to reach the international stage and rob shoulders with the huge international names we hear then we ought to abandon the practice of miming and embrace the concept of playing live.

Society must also ensure that the practices and events which killed live band music in Ghana are never repeated.

Live band music and by extension the music industry was perhaps the most affected by the various Coups and Revolutions In our history. These Coups and revolutions essentially killed night life on which live band music thread thus seeing to its demise. Any time there would be a Coup or Revolution curfews will be imposed, gradually killing bands and the emergence of groups such as Osibisa.

Originating at www.pinnaclegh.com