Kofi Ghanaba – Africa’s Jazz Revolutionary

Kofi Ghanaba, also known as Guy Warren, was one of the most influential African musicians of the 20th century.

One early morning, I (left) was led by Glen, his son (middle) to go and dig the old man, on the outskirts of Accra. Nii Korley Laryea came with us. It must have been one of Guy Warren’s last recorded interviews. We both said nothing. It was almost as if time had stood still as the old man spoke about his music and the alphabet of Jazz –  A for Africa, B for Bird,  C for Coltrane, D for  Duke and E for Ella. We were in awe,  astounded when he got to Z!

Nii Korley Laryea is a great musicologist. Maybe he should write up the A to Z of Kofi Ghanaba !

Kofi Ghanaba (Guy Warren): The Divine Drummer who pioneered Afro-jazz

Glen’s interpretation of one of the old man’s favourite songs, “Happy Feeling”