Entertainment of Thursday, 25 February 2010

Source: GNA

Ephraim Amu Foundation presents CDs to CISP

Accra, Feb. 25, GNA - The Ephraim Amu Foundation on Thursday presented compact disc (CDs) recordings of selected works by Dr Ephraim Amu, an African Musicologist, to the Cultural Initiatives Support Programme (CISP), to commemorate his 101 birthday anniversary. It was to increase the patronage of Dr Amu's large musical repertoire and seek collaboration with existing bodies and institutions toward enhancing education and entertainment in music, as well as to build an enviable national musical cultural heritage in Africa.

Dr Amu was born on September 13, 1899 at Avetile, Peki in the Volta Region, and died on January 2, 1995 when he was 96 years. Madam Misonu Amu, daughter of the late Dr Amu, narrating the history about his father, said Dr Amu as a multilingual composer, who composed songs in Twi, Ewe, Ga and English Language and had more than 100 musical compositions with inspiring lyrics.

Madam Amu said apart from his musical accomplishments, Dr Amu tried to arouse in the African, a consciousness for ethical, social and political values.

She said "He pioneered and encouraged the 'Africanization' of the church by introducing drumming and singing of Ghanaian songs during worship". Madam Amu appealed to organisations and institutions to support the foundation to promote musical creativity in Africa. The CISP is a three-year initiative under a two million euro grant from the European Union (EU) to Ghana to support culture. It was launched in compliance with European Development Fund (EDF) regulations and in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning and National Commission on Culture (NCC). The Ephraim Amu Foundation was established in 1995 by family members and friends of Dr Ephraim Amu. 25 Feb. 10