Ghanaian musician and cultural researcher Kwame Brenya will stage the fourth edition of his annual concert, ‘akɔmcert’, on November 11 this year, continuing with the theme “highlife is alive.”
Dubbed ‘akɔmcert’ 4.0, this year’s concert will celebrate Ghana’s authentic sound, Highlife, and its centenary, building on the conversations and performances from last year’s edition.
Details for the upcoming concert are expected to be announced soon.
‘Akɔmcert’, which is held every November 11 (11/11), has become known for tracing Ghana’s musical evolution from its traditional roots to its contemporary forms.
The last edition, ‘Akɔmcert’ 3.0 held in 2025, offered a glimpse of what patrons should expect.
That edition was hosted by Akuapem wordsmith and poet, Fapempɔn, and opened with a traditional performance by Kwaata from Tepa, who poured libation in honour of ‘Nana Tɛpa Baaneɛ.’
Rama Blak, a PhD Ethnomusicology fellow at the University of Ghana, Legon, followed with a performance featuring her traditional instrument, the Adenkum, alongside guitarist Robo.
King Ayisoba then took the stage with his Kologo and Gyil (xylophone), delivering an energetic set that included his award-winning song, “I Want To See You My Father.”
The main performance came from Kwame Brenya and the Akɔm Band. His set took the audience on a journey through Ghanaian music, from ancient Akɔm music performed in shrines, to Palmwine music that emerged from local bars and evolved into Highlife.
The performance referenced works by music researchers including Prof. John Collins, Prof. Kofi Agawu, Dr. Sunu Doe, Seth Kpodo, and musicians Agya Koo Nimo and Osei Korankye.
The concert was attended by notable figures including Prof. John Collins, music veteran Panji Anoff, Grammy-nominated artiste Rocky Dawuni, Daddy Bosco of MUSIGA, Seperewa connoisseur Osei Korankye, Dr. Amakye, Head of the Music Department at UG, and Prof. Frimpong of VIVIVI Studios.
One of the highlights was the serving of palmwine in customised calabashes inscribed with “highlife is alive.”
At the event, Kwame Brenya also presented vinyl copies of his fourth album, “Brɛnya ne barima,” released on 11-11-2022, to special guests.
