Famous music composer Prof Nketia dies at 97

General News of Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Source: starrfm.com.gh

2019-03-13

The music composer and ethnomusicologist, Professor Emeritus Joseph Hanson Kwabena Nketia, died at age 97, confirmed family sources.

Professor Nketia died Wednesday at Legon Hospital while seeking medical attention.

Professor Nketia, who retired from the University of Ghana at Legon in 1979, was the first African director of the Institute of African Studies at the university.

Born in Mampong-Asante on June 22, 1921, the composer, ethno-musicologist, writer and mentor had also held positions such as Acting Director of the Presbyterian Training College (PTC), Music Professor in Ghana and Chancellor of the United States. Akrofi-Christaller Institute of Theology, Mission and Culture at Akropong.

He has over 200 publications and 80 musical compositions to his credit.

Among his well-known choral works are Adanse Kronkron, Morbid Asem, Monna N & # 39; Ase and Monkafo No. Other vocal works accompanied on piano include Yaanom Montie, Onipa Dasani Nni Aye, Onipa Beyee Bi, Yiadom Heneba, Mekae Na Woantie, Maforo Pata Hunu, Obarima Nifahene and Asuo Meresen.

He has also written extensively for Western orchestral instruments, such as flute, violin, cello, percussion and piano. But it is thanks to Nketia's works that make the rhythm of traditional African instruments that his genius is acclaimed.

He has written for a variety of combinations of modern and local African instruments. Works in this category include Builsa Work Song (1960), Dagarti Work Song (1961), Crossroads (1961), Owora (1961), Volta Fantasy (1961) and Contemplation (1961).