Information/Write-up
Wofa Agyei (born P.K. Agyei) is a Ghanaian highlife musician and bandleader hailing from Atwima-Mfensi near Akropong in the Ashanti Region. He began his professional journey as assistant leader of the Ashanti Palace Band in 1966 before rising to prominence with Akwaboah’s International Band in Accra during the 1970s. In 1980, he launched his own group, Twa Me Last Brothers, based in Kumasi. Known for his emotionally resonant songwriting and vibrant guitar work, Agyei's best-loved compositions include “Anya Adwo”—a tribute to his late father—as well as “Obaa Yi Mafa Wo Hɔ” and “Odo Sere Kyerɛ Me.” A foundational figure in modern Ghanaian highlife, Wofa Agyei’s work reflects deep cultural roots and enduring melodic appeal.
Sky P (real name Jack Oko Prempeh) is a Ghanaian artist known for his work in highlife and Afro-influenced music. Credited as both performer and songwriter, he released the album Ghana Mmaa #1 under the name Sky P on the Skypro label. While detailed biographical information remains limited, the release showcases his role in continuing the vibrant legacy of Ghanaian popular music into the modern era.
Pat Thomas, affectionately known as “The Golden Voice of Africa,” is a Ghanaian highlife legend whose smooth vocals and pioneering spirit helped shape the sound of modern West African music. Rising to fame in the 1970s through collaborations with Ebo Taylor, Sweet Beans, and Marijata, Thomas became a household name in Ghana and later spent over a decade living in Toronto, where he remained connected to the diaspora music scene. His classic track “Woma Menka Bi” (“If You Won’t Say It, I Will”) exemplifies his timeless blend of soul, rhythm, and lyrical finesse—making it a natural highlight on Toronto Heat. Now based once again in Ghana, Thomas continues to tour internationally with the Kwashibu Area Band, reaffirming his legacy as one of Africa’s most cherished musical voices.
Agyemang B. Opambuo is the founding force behind the Opambuo International Band of Ghana, a vibrant highlife ensemble known for its emotive lyrics, layered rhythms, and deep roots in Ghana’s musical tradition. Emerging prominently in the late 20th century, Opambuo's music reflects both the spiritual and social dimensions of highlife. His standout track “Obi Manso” (“Someone Has Married”) is a classic example of his storytelling style—combining heartfelt vocal delivery with rich horn sections and a rhythmic groove that captures the pulse of Ghanaian celebration and reflection. Widely embraced in diaspora circles, the song resonates as a cultural staple, and its inclusion on Toronto Heat affirms the lasting impact of Ghana’s musical heritage within Canada's urban soundscape.
Maame Felicia Konadu emerges as a rare and intriguing presence in Ghanaian highlife—her 12″ vinyl Ma Menka, released in Canada, reflects a cross‑continental connection that few of her contemporaries navigated. Rooted in African highlife tradition while released overseas, the record captures her place in a broader musical journey bridging Ghana and the diaspora. Although much about her life and career remains undocumented, Ma Menka stands as a testament to her artistry and the global paths of Ghanaian highlife.
Cover design and printing by Emmanuel Arthur, Toronto, Ontario
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