Entertainment of Saturday, 25 June 2005

Source: GNA

Octogenarian thrills conference with accordion performance

Accra, June 25, GNA- "If I die and you don't play the accordion at my bed side, you'll follow me immediately", was the warning of Mr Peter Kwame Ayisoe, a veteran accordionist, to his son whom he was training to play the accordion. The man, who was said to have chalked 80 years old last month, looked surprisingly younger.

Mr Ayisou thrilled fellow Theological Scientists, and journalists when he sang with a clear and enchanting voice accompanied by a dexterous performance on his accordion, of country music during a musical interlude at media conference to launch in Accra, the 50th Anniversary Celebrations if the Ghana Theological Science Society. The celebrations, on the theme:" Theological Science Society, a Modern System for Enlightening Humanity for Happier Successful and Productive Life" would be observed by public lectures and outreach programmes, charity donations and a national convention on the first Saturday and Sunday of next September. The global president of the Theological Science Society is expected to attend the convention.

As a former worker of the defunct Ghana Black Star Line, Mr Ayisoe said he formed the Black Anchors Band of the Black Star Line, adding that it was all admiration from guests and dignitaries, as he played a Welcome song on the day Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's first President declared Ghana's independence in 1957. He said the late Kweku Baako, aide to Kwame Nkrumah drove him to the Polo Grounds at the invitation of the first President.

Mr Ayisou said he started playing the accordion in 1947, adding, "Anytime they play the national anthem, and you see the one playing the accordion in the background, I am the one." He however, regretted the lack of interest of the youth in learning music of the older years, in preference to music sounds generated by the computer. Mr Ayisou also said that it was a challenge to acquire accordion in Ghana, since its parts were not readily available.