Entertainment of Sunday, 15 April 2018

Source: Charterhouse Productions

2018 VGMAs: Naa Amanua Dodoo receives Lifetime Achievement Honours

Naa Amanua was honoured at the 2018 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards held at the AICC, Saturday play videoNaa Amanua was honoured at the 2018 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards held at the AICC, Saturday

Popularly known as Naa Amanua, the recipient of the 2018 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards lifetime Achievement Honours started singing from childhood.

She joined the choir at St. Georges Garrison Anglican Church, Burma Camp and later went to Abokobi Presbyterian Mix-Middle School where she became the lead singer in the school during late sixties.

Many associate this living legend with the celebrated band, “wulomei” of which she is a founding member. Their maiden album had hit tracks including “wala tu wala sa” and “mbe shie din”.

During General Acheampong’s regime in 1974 (operation feed yourself), they toured the country crossing the Volta on the Yaipe Queen to Yaipe and then to Bolgatanga.

Taking our music beyond the sores of Ghana, the group travelled to Togo to perform alongside Charlotte Dada, a renowned female Ghanaian musician.

They also performed in the United States of America and the UK.

Naa Amanua later left “Wulomei” to join the Suku Troupe who’s debut album titled “awo de me” was yet another big hit. The Suku Troup afforded Naa Amanua the opportunity to give the world a little more than just music. They were a force to reckon with in the theatre and dance arenas too.

They toured West African countries like Benin, Togo and Liberia, visited Kenya in 1978 and performed for President Jomo Kenyata.

After a decade with Suku Troupe, Naa Amanua left to form her own group in 1988 and released “Mi yen Maya” in 1989.

Though age has caught up with her, Naa is still active. She performs at events and special occasions and stole the shpw alongside, Burgher Highlife Musician, Charles Amoah at the 18th edition of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards.

Not too long ago, the Ga-Adangme Concern Youth Group under the leadership of Nii Ayaafio Tetteh recognized and awarded her with the Ga title “Nye Kpakpa” for her contribution to Ga-Adangme music from the grass roots. Naa believes that a gift from God is everlasting.