Nana Kwame Ampadu

Nana Kwame Ampadu is a legendary Highlife musician widely celebrated for his extraordinary contribution to the Ghanaian music industry. With a career spanning several decades, he released hundreds of timeless songs that continue to inspire generations across Africa and beyond.

Nana Kwame Ampadu I was born on March 31, 1945, in Obo Kwahu in Ghana’s Eastern Region. He was born to Opanin Kwame Ampadu, then head of the Asona Clan of Obo Kwahu, and Madam Mercy Afua Ntiriwaa, a devoted Presbyterian.

Young Kwame Ampadu began his education at Obo Roman Catholic Primary School between 1950 and 1952. His parents later relocated to Adeemmra near Aboam in the Afram Plains, where he continued his education through Standard Three (now Class Six) and completed his primary education in 1955.

From an early age, Ampadu demonstrated exceptional musical talent. He developed a strong interest in singing and possessed a captivating voice that earned admiration from both teachers and classmates. His teachers frequently selected him to lead school songs and musical activities.

He later attended Obo Anglican Middle Boys School from 1956 to 1959, where he excelled academically and artistically. The school authorities admired not only his intelligence but also his passion for music. The headmaster, Master Ouarcoe, appointed him as a chorister and official tune leader for school activities.

Before completing middle school, Ampadu successfully passed the West African Examination Council’s Common Entrance Examination in 1957 and gained admission with a partial scholarship to Abuakwa State College. Unfortunately, due to financial difficulties, his father could not support his continued education, forcing him to end his formal schooling and move to Accra in search of employment.

In 1960, the young Ampadu arrived in Accra. Due to his youthful appearance and small stature, many people found it difficult to believe he was qualified for work. After several months, he secured employment as a messenger with the Ministry of Agriculture at Kwahu Mpraeso through arrangements made by his father.

During this period, Ampadu discovered his remarkable gift for songwriting and composition. Even without access to musical instruments, he composed songs from memory and entertained friends and colleagues with his singing.

Before completing a year in the role, he resigned and returned to Accra after receiving encouragement from a schoolmate named Noah, a guitarist who hoped they could form a band together. Although Noah later relocated to Agogo, Ampadu remained determined to pursue music.

He stayed with his elder brother, Rover Amo Ampadu, who later became the longtime manager of the African Brothers Band International. Through family connections, Ampadu was introduced to Mr. P.K. Yamoah, founder of Yamoah’s Band, who auditioned and accepted him as a treble singer. However, when the group planned to relocate to Kumasi, his relatives refused to allow the young Ampadu to travel.

He later worked for the United Ghana Farmers Council Corporation (UGFCC) as a messenger and eventually as a canteen supervisor between 1963 and 1966. During this time, he also worked briefly for Faith Drug Store in Okaishie, Accra.

Formation of the African Brothers Band

Ampadu later joined forces with Snr. Eddie Donkor, Nana Nyarko, Yaw Asante, Yaw Owusu, Rover Amo Ampadu, Kwame Anim, and Koo Ofori to form the African Brothers Band in 1963.

The official inauguration of the band took place at the Park Cinema Theatre in Accra. Despite their youth and limited resources, the group gained attention for performing original compositions at funerals, Muslim wedding ceremonies (“Sunna”), and public gatherings.

In 1964, Joe Dee and Oppong Kyekyeku joined the band as bass player and tenor singer respectively.

Ampadu’s musical journey took a major turn when he met Jerry Hansen, founder of the Ramblers Dance Band. Ampadu generously gave Hansen several songs, including:

• Ntoboase

• Afutusem

• Scholarship

• Me Nsoromma Bepue

These songs became successful recordings for the Ramblers Band.

Recognizing Ampadu’s talent, Jerry Hansen introduced him to Phillips West Africa Ltd., where the African Brothers Band was given the opportunity to record their first songs.

On November 14, 1966, the band recorded:

• “Agyanka Dabere”

• “Suminaso Ntonko”

Released on December 21, 1966, the single became an instant hit and marked the beginning of a new era in Ghanaian guitar-band Highlife music.

By 1967, the group had relocated to Kumasi under the sponsorship of Ambassador Gardens Hotel and later entered a major partnership with D.K. Nyarko of Obuoba Records and Happy Bird Labels.

Between 1968 and 1978, the African Brothers Band released over 400 single tracks, producing hit after hit and becoming one of the most influential Highlife bands in Ghanaian history.

In 1972, the Government of Ghana organized a nationwide Highlife competition for both large and small bands. The African Brothers Band International emerged victorious at the finals held at Rex Cinema in Accra.

On February 10, 1973, the Arts Council of Ghana officially crowned P.S.K. Ampadu with the prestigious title:

“Nnwontofohene Nana Kwame Ampadu I”

Public Service and Leadership

Throughout his life, Nana Kwame Ampadu also served in several public leadership positions, including:

• Government Appointee, Kwahu South District Assembly (1993–2000)

• General Secretary, Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) – 1992

• Board Member, Ghana Folklore Board of Trustees (1993–2001)

• Committee Member, COSGA Band Role Committee (1991–1997)

• First Vice President, MUSIGA (1984–1991)

He also interacted with several prominent Ghanaian leaders and personalities, including:

• Lt. General Kutu Acheampong

• Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings

• Prof. Kwasi Yankah

• Mrs. Konadu Agyemang Rawlings

Personal Life

Nana Kwame Ampadu married several times throughout his life and was blessed with eight children.

His children include:

• Kwadwo Ampadu

• Kwaku Amoh Samuel Ampadu

• Michael Kwaku Nyarko Ampadu

• Naomi Ampadu

• Sheila Ampadu

• Kwabena Gyimah Amoah Anthony Ampadu

• Ohenebah Yaw Rawlings Ampadu

• Yaa Kesewaa Ampadu

Beyond music, Nana Ampadu was passionate about football and once served as an executive member of both:

• Accra Hearts of Oak

• Okwawu United

His hobbies included table tennis, draughts, and ludo. He was also a devoted Christian and served as an evangelist at Center for Christ Mission in Achimota.

Legacy

Nana Kwame Ampadu remains one of the greatest storytellers and pioneers in African music history. His timeless compositions, leadership, and influence on Highlife music continue to shape Ghanaian culture and inspire musicians around the world.

Legendary Musician

Explore the rhythmic world of Ghanaian music with the iconic artist Nana Kwame Ampadu.

Timeless Classics

Discover Nana Kwame Ampadu's classic hits like 'Ebi Te Yie' and 'Agatha' and "Oman Bo Adwo" that have captured hearts for decades.

Rich Legacy

Immerse yourself in exclusive interviews, rare photographs, and behind-the-scenes stories of the legendary highlife musician Nana Kwame Ampadu.

Legendary highlife musician