Apart from the fun, music and dance, the biggest common denominator at Saturday night’s Legends and Legacy Ball in honor of legendary highlife musician, Amakye Dede was the call for peace before, during and after the 2012 general elections from musicians.
The call was all important as several politicians including the NPP presidential candidate, Nana Akuffo Addo and Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, who suggested that she will be running for President on the NDP ticket, were in attendance. Former President, John Agyekum Kufuor was also present.Samini, Okyeame Kwame, Becca, Eazzy, Kwabena Kwabena, Daasebre Gwamena, Nacy and saxophonist, Steve Bedi performed several hit songs from Amakye Dede’s catalogue, spanning across 3 decades.
There was also a surprise performance by actress, Nana Ama Mcbrown. Other highlights included Ivorian music icon, Freddy Meiway performing Amakye Dede’s hit song, ‘Bebrebe’ and struggling with the Twi lyrics.Before mounting the stage to perform, Amakye Dede received a special gold plated plaque and medal from Imajin Advertising, organizers of the Legends and Legacy Ball. The Musician Union of Ghana also read a citation in honor of Amakye Dede as follows:
The Musicians Union Of Ghana (MUSIGA) IS THE NATIONAL UNION of Musicians with over 5000 members incorporated in December 1975. MUSIGA is affiliated with the Ghana Trade Union Congress, the International Federation for Musicians and is a Member of the International Music Council. You were born and named Daniel Amakye Dede. From the early days when you were with Akwasi Ampofo Adjei through to your formation of the Apollo Highkings Band and sojourn in Nigeria you have been a trailblazer.
Your contribution to the development of highlife music in particular and the Ghana music industry have been phenomenal. Your music has been a source of inspiration, encouragement and consolation to many a Ghanaian at home and abroad and music lovers worldwide. You have mentored many music talent in the youth. Many gospel musicians in Ghana owe their success to you. Also you have provided other musicians with economic capacity through the re-development of your music to meet contemporary times and this is one of the momentous legacies which is visible when Ghanaian music history is chronicled.
You have chalked nearly forty years in the music industry, you have ingrained your name in the annals of the Musicians Union Of Ghana and the nation as a whole, the musicians in Ghana are proud of you, mother Ghana is proud of you. The President, the Executives and the entire body of the musician union of Ghana is celebrates you on this momentous occasion of investiture as a Legend in the Legends and Legacy Hall of Fame this day the 15th day of September, 2012.
You have fought a good fight and truly deserve the crown of glory. We say Ayekoo and Thank You for the role you have played in the Ghanaian music industry. AYEKOO