Gyedu-Blay Ambolley is a Ghanaian highlife musician, songwriter, producer, and composer. The first musician from Ghana and the world to formally incorporate rap forms into local highlife rhythms, Ambolley created the musical genre Simigwa.[5]
Gyedu-Blay Ambolley | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | 1947 (age 76–77) |
| Origin | Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana Los Angeles, United States |
| Genres | |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | Early 1970s–present[1][2] |
| Labels | |
| Website | www |
Career
editGyedu-Blay Ambolley was rather unknown outside of West Africa until Soundway Records included his seminal Simigwa-Do,[6] which Ambolley released in 1973, on their first anthology, Ghana Soundz.[7] Ambolley's sound has led many to label him the godfather of hiplife, the fusion of hip hop and highlife[2] idioms. Ambolley stood aside AL Threats at the Playboy Jazz Festival in Los Angeles. His song "Simigua-do" is considered the first Ghanaian version of previously introduced American rap in the world released in 1973. Ambolley, Sammy Lartey and Ebo Taylor are the few musicians who envisioned a future for high-life music in the late 60s and early 70s and helped transform the genre fusing high-life, funk and jazz[8][9] music.
Achievements
editIn June 2015 Ambolley received a citation in the US from the City Council of Philadelphia,[10] read by Councilwoman Honorable Jannie Blackwell and Hon. Stanley J. Staughter in recognition of the musician's contributions to Ghanaian music in the US.
Awards
edit- Most Consistent Artist — Ghana (1980)[11]
- Album and Song of the Year — Ghana (1990)[11]
- Trend Music Awards — Ivory Coast (1997)[11]
- Africa-American History Award — MWEPC, Los Angeles, CA (2001)[11]
- Afrikan Music Award — Los Angeles, CA (2002)[11]
- Malcolm X Music Festival Award — Los Angeles, CA (2002)[11]
- Lifetime Achievement Award — The Jazz at Drew from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA (2003)[12]
- Congressional, Gubernatorial Certificate of Special Recognition — Congresswoman Juanita Millinder McDonald (2003)[13]
- Best World Beat Recombinant Artist 2003 & Best World Beat Recombinant Artist 2003 L.A. Weekly nominated Ambolley for Best World Beat Recombinant Artist in 2003[14] and 2004[15]
References
edit- ^ Saskia Bosch, Belinda van de Graaf, Sandra Kooke, Peter van der Lint, Stan Rijven, Seije Slager Rappen? Dat deed Ambolley al in 1973. (in Dutch) August 31, 2010
- ^ a b "Red Bull Music Academy". Retrieved 5 July 2016.
- ^ "CLEAR SPOT". Retrieved 5 July 2016.
- ^ "Gyedu Blay Ambolley - Ambolley". Retrieved 5 July 2016.
- ^ Nikansah, Rexford (July 18, 2013). "Gyedu Blay-Ambolley on Simigwado and highlife history". The African Dream. Retrieved 15 June 2016.
- ^ "Gyedu Blay-Ambolley on Simigwado and highlife history". TheAfricanDream.net. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
- ^ "Various - Ghana Soundz". Retrieved 5 July 2016.
- ^ Jazz, All About. "West Africa: Blay Ambolley". Retrieved 5 July 2016.
- ^ "Ambolley Releases Hi-Life Jazz". Retrieved 5 July 2016.
- ^ "Ambolley citation - TheAfricanDream.net". Retrieved 11 July 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f "Peace FM Online ::: Print News".
- ^ Jodacame. "Gyedu Blay Ambolley - Grooveshark - Free Music Streaming". Retrieved 5 July 2016.
- ^ "FEMUA 2014: Gyedu-Blay Ambolley - RADIO AFRIKA". Retrieved 5 July 2016.
- ^ Payne, John (22 May 2003). "L.A. Weekly Music Awards 2003". Retrieved 5 July 2016.
- ^ Payne, John (27 May 2004). "LAWMA 2004". Retrieved 5 July 2016.