One musical instrument that seems to have found favour with some gospel musicians is the accordion. Bishop Michael Osei Bonsu arrived on the gospel scene with this instrument and his consistency has led to its popularity.
Some of the relatively younger and new gospel artistes who have fallen in love with the instrument are Edward Akwasi Boateng and Rev. Mensah Bonsu.
The irony is that most people confuse Bishop Osei Bonsu with Rev. Mensah Bonsu thought it will be an understatement to say that the latter is brilliant musician in his own right.
Listening to the latest album of Rev. Mensah Bonsu one wonders why he has not been given so much publicity as the others. As a matter of fact almost ? if not all ? the tracks on the album are very good in terms of lyrical presentation, instrumentation and style.
The album is entitled Adom and the airwaves in most of the metropolises in the country have been playing the songs on it. One of the songs which has gained popularity is the ne titled Owereho Ni.
The lyrics and to some large extent the music itself is a familiar rendition from the days of yore but the Reverend adds something new to it by relying on a mid-tempo styled rhythm.
In the song proper he asks the down hearted to lay their problems on God and not be perturbed because their redeemer lives.
His ability to talk in the song at any given intermission (when the words cease and the instruments are the only things one hears) and the sound of the accordion ?underneath? the words this song very good.
One very popular track on the album is Ka Wakoma To Woyam. This is also done in a slow mid tempo vein and the words ask the listener to have patience because the Lord is with them.
The jazz drum is heard in the song and so are the lead and bass guitars but above all Rev Mensah Bonsu?s accordion dominates the instrumentation. If for nothing at all this track seeks to give the listener a good dose of courage and assurance of God?s presence at all times.
Adom is the title track and it is one that slightly departs from the predominantly slow nature of Rev. Bonsu?s style. It is a bit fast and played on a very subtle reggae rhythm. The message is that it is by the grace of Jesus Christ that we are still alive and not because of our righteous works nor is it due to our strength.
Some other songs on collection are Fa Yen Ko, Messiah, Tete Nyame, Nkwagey and Bra Fie. With these songs on his album Rev. Bonsu has shown that is in to add his bit to the new genre of accordion-laced gospel music.
All songs on the album were composed by Sammy Aning and backing was provided by Hallelujah Voices and Cecilia Abban. Executive Producer is Nana Akwasi Asa Mensah for Agiecoat Productions.
