One may have observed that most times, young people do not attend funerals. They usually see it as the preserve of elderly.

This was exactly the situation at the funeral of the late highlife legend Paapa Yankson at the forecourt of State House in Accra on Saturday, 21^st October, 2017.

The funeral was heavily attended by old musicians like Pat Thomas, AB Crentsil, Gyedu-Blay Ambulley, Rex Omar, Yaw Sarpong, Charles Amoah, Nana Kwame Ampadu, Sidiku Buari and Abirekyieba Kofi Sammy.

Others were, Daughters of Glorious Jesus, Tagoe Sisters, Nana Fynn, Rev. Thomas Yawson, Rev. Mary Ghansah, Bice Osei Kuffuor, Rex Omar, among others.

I did not see any ‘young musician’ there. When I talk about young musicians I mean those that mostly fall below 40 years age (my own parameter). I am talking about the likes of Samini, Stonebwoy, Efya, Adina, Shatta Wale, Bisa K Dei, Flowking, Becca, K.K. Fosu etc.

The only person I was told attended the funeral after I had left at 12pm was Kofi Kinaata. Maybe most of them attended later at night when the funeral has closed.

The ‘I won’t die now’ factor

There is a school of thought that people attend funerals so that when they die someday, they will have people attend theirs too. Yes, it might sound ludicrous but that is why most people go to funerals.

Why do you care about what happened to your funeral or body when you are dead? Obviously that is a weak reason for attending funerals. We attend funerals to console the bereaved, most importantly.

If you have lost a close friend or family member, it s easy to relate to this; the mere presence of people at the funeral numbs the pain and sorrow in your heart. For a moment, it makes you feel loved and cared about.

So, apart from celebrating the dead who is gone and knows nothing about what happens after their death, the ‘communal healing’ it gives family and friends is very necessary.

With this in mind, one does not have to be of a certain age before they attend funerals. Funerals are not meant for old men and women.

Lack of the ‘we’ spirit

Another school of thought also has t that at times, there are certain things that would move a young person to be at a funeral; and that is if they deceased in their age bracket or a close friend.

There are a lot of people who also posit that perhaps the reason most young people do not attend funerals (including Paapa  Yankson’s) was the fact that the highlife legend was not their friend – nor in their age bracket.

Because of this, they may have felt disconnect with the whole activity. When Ronnie Coaches, Vybrant Faya and rapper Ghetto KB died, there were also many young musicians in attendance than the old ones.

Work over funerals

On Saturday, October 21, 2017 there were a lot of shows in town, principal among which was the Becca @ 10 concert which paraded almost all the current big music stars at the National Theatre to celebrate Becca’s 10 years in music. Most of these young musicians may have been preparing for the show by then hence their absence at the funeral.

Generally, young musicians have more buoyant career than the old ones which means that they would be more engaged for shows even during ‘funeral times.’

To wit, while the young think about making money, the old think about how they will be ‘buried’ when they die.

Bridging the gulf

The above-stated variables are realistically the picture on the ground. However, I believe it is about time we changed the narrative. There may not be equilibrium in young-old attendance at funerals but the gap could be narrowed.

It is about time we made time for each others as people in the same industry irrespective of our tight work schedules and age differences.

Conclusion

Paapa Yankson was a legend and it was expected that musicians from different age groups would be well-represented.

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By: Kwame Dadzie/citifmonline.com/Ghana

([email protected])

The post ‘Young’ musicians missing at Paapa Yankson’s funeral [Article] appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

With Reverend Mary Ghansah on the acoustic guitar and Daughters of Glorious Jesus’ Edna on ‘dondo,’ the group comprising Pat Thomas, Abena Ruthy and others sang popular gospel song ‘It Is Well’ and another song by Paapa Yankson.

Some musicians present at the funeral were President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) Bice Osei-Kuffuor, Nana Ampadu, Abirekyieba Kofi Sammy, A.B. Crentsil, Gyedu-Blay Ambuley, Nana Tuffuor, Rex Omar, Kwasi Ernest, Pat Thomas and Abena Ruthy.

Others were Daddy Bosco, Nana Fynn, Daughters of Glorious Jesus, Tagoe Sister, Mary Ghansah, Rev. Yawson, Bessa Simons, among others.

With more than 15 albums to his credit, he entertained and serenaded music fans with great compositions. He did great songs like ‘Tena Menkyen,’ ‘Mensu,’ ‘Abam Kofi,’ among others.

Paapa’s last major performance was at the Music of Ghanaian Origin Concert organized by Citi FM in March 2017, where he performed in a wheel chair.

Paapa Yankson died on 21^st July, 2017 after a protracted illness. He was 73.

Watch the video below:

 

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By: Kwame Dadzie/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Musicians sing for Paapa Yankson at funeral [video] appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Hundreds of people from the music fraternity, and the arts industry, and members of the general public, were there in their numbers to say ‘goodbye’ to the ‘Tsena Menkyen’ crooner.

Rev. Charles Aaron Akuba, Circuit Pastor of the Adenta Methodist church in his sermon, advised musicians who want to take after Paapa’s good works learn to do good music.

“Do music that is edifying to people because most of Paapa Yankson’s songs were songs that inspired and educated,” he said.

Present at the funeral were musicians like President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) Bice Osei-Kuffuor, Nana Ampadu, Abirekyieba Kofi Sammy, Gyedu-Blay Ambuley, Nana Tuffuor, Rex Omar, Kwasi Ernest and Abena Ruthy.

Others were Daddy Bosco, Nana Fynn, Daughters of Glorious Jesus, Tagoe Sister, Rev. Mary Ghansah, Rev. Yawson and Bessa Simons.

The President of Ghana, Nana Akufo Addo, was also present at the funeral together with the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Catherine Afeku, President of the Creative Arts Council, Mark Okraku Mante, General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress, Johnson Asiedu Nketia.

The Ghana Actors Guild was represented by their President, Sam Fiscian, Paa George among others. Satirist Kwaku Sintim Misa was also at the funeral.

The mortal remains of Paapa Yankson will be taken to Apam in the Central Region for interment.

Tomorrow [Sunday], 22^nd October, 2017, there will be thanksgiving service for the late musician at the Bread of Life Methodist Church at Dansoman in Accra.

About Paapa Yankson

Born on 22^nd June, 1944 at Winneba in the Central Region, Benjamin Paapa Kofi Yankson, started his music career as a lead singer for the Big Sound Band after completing Ahantaman Secondary Commercial School.

He later joined the Carousel Seven band upon recommendation by C. K. Mann, who was the leader of the band.

Paapa Yankson, was also instrumental in the formation of the Western Diamonds Band. But two years later after joining the band, he left for the Golden Nuggets Band.

In 1975, he enrolled at the National Academy of Music, Winneba, to read a diploma programme in music.

Paapa Yankson was also professional music teacher. He taught and performed in countries like the United States of America, Canada, Belgium, Britain, Germany and Holland.

With more than 15 albums to his credit, he entertained and serenaded music fans with great compositions. He did great songs like ‘Tena Menkyen,’ ‘Mensu,’ ‘Abam Kofi,’ among others.

Paapa’s last major performance was at the Music of Ghanaian Origin Concert organized by Citi FM in March this 2017, where he performed in a wheel chair.

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By: Kwame Dadzie/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Highlife legend Paapa Yankson goes home [Pictures] appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The final funeral rites for Paapa Yankson will be held on 21^st October, 2017.

Akufo-Addo said this at a meeting with a delegation of family and friends led by the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Catherine Abelema Afeku.

The delegation included the leadership of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA). He said the funeral should be held at the forecourt of the State House.

While expressing his condolence to the widow, and the family of the late highlife legend, Akufo-Addo described Paapa Yankson as a pillar of the Ghanaian music industry and an icon who has served the nation very well.

The head of Odomna Ebusua, Nana Akom Ogyeanda I, informed the President that the final funeral rites will be held on October 21 and 22, 2017.

Present at the meeting were the Queen mother of the Odumna clan of Ekumfi Asaman/Buadukwaa, Nana Enfiua III; the widow, Mary Ogbamey; Paapa Yankson’s son Silas Yankson, and some of his siblings and other relatives.

The others were former veteran highlife musician Nana Kwame Ampadu, MUSIGA President Bice Osei Kufuor, and former MUSIGA President, Alhaji Sidiku Buari.

Bessa Simons, first vice-president of MUSIGA; Chizzy Wailer, National Organiser of MUSIGA, the Tagoe Sisters, Ben Brako and Ahuma Bosco Ocansey, Director of Communications and Special Projects, were also part of the delegation.

The late Paapa Yankson died after a short illness on July 21, 2017.

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By: Kwame Dadzie/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post We’ll give Paapa Yankson state burial – Akufo-Addo appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Performing after the ‘Gyata Bi’ man Adane Best, Paapa Yankson defied his old age and shook the audience with an electrifying performance which moved them from their seats to join him on the dance floor.

Hit after hit, Paap Yankson ended his performances on a very high note with thunderous applauds from the hundreds of people who could not but marvel at the great strength and passion with which he performed.

The ‘Okukuseku’ hitmaker is among the high profile artistes billed for MOGO 2017.

The others included Nana Kwame Ampadu, A.B. Crentsil, Amandzeba, Kwabena Kwabena and Okyeame Kwame.

The 2017 Music of Ghanaian Origin (MOGO) was sponsored by GCB Bank, Freight Consult and Nallem Consult, and is powered by Citi 97.3 FM.

Watch an excerpt of Paapa Yankson’s performance below:

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By: Kwame Dadzie/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Paapa Yankson dazzles at #MOGO2017 appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Paapa Yankson will be performing at the MOGO Dinner Dance with Amandzeba Nat Brew, Adane Best, Nana Ampadu, Kwabena Kwabena, AB Crentsil, Okyeame Kwame and some other surprise acts.

Chief Moomen and his energetic Wogbejeke crew will also be there to give us a taste of Ghana’s musical history.

“The people should expect the best of me, the best from 1961 till now,” Paapa told Kojo in a conversation on the Citi Breakfast Show.

He also revealed that his most favourite song is the one that he did with Paulina Oduro: Tena menkyen.

“Tena menkyen is my favourite. Someone was playing the piano on the radio. It was deep in the night when I heard the progression so I wrote it down. I later got somebody’s old piano and started working on it. It was a song I liked from day one when I heard the progression. As a musician, you can take music from other places but it shouldn’t be note for note.”

The MOGO Dinner Dance will be held on Saturday [March 25, 2017] at the Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel. The event is sponsored by GCB Bank, Freight Consult and Nallem Consult.

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By: Jeffrey Owuraku Sarpong/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Expect the best from me at #MOGO2017 – Paapa Yankson appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The annual event that seeks to promote Ghana’s indigenous music forms, especially Highlife, would have some of the most revered names in the industry on March 25, 2017 to celebrate sixty years of authentic Ghanaian music.

Nana Ampadu, Paapa Yankson and A.B. Crentsil lead the list of exceptional musicians who shall mount the stage to serve some of the best songs ever produced in the history of Ghanaian music.

The three legends, who have been instrumental in the Highlife story with about four decades of experience, promise to serve hit after hit and to bring back those fond memories of yesteryears, as they inspire the current creative generation to aspire to do more.

The sensational Amandzeba and Adane Best will also take turns to perform some of the hits that they have produced over the years. With combined efforts, the two can create enough musical energy to light up a billion gloomy hearts and they are set to electrify the stage come March 25.

Adane Best brought his lion on stage at MOGO 2012

Kwabena Kwabena and Okyeame Kwame have also been billed to appear on the MOGO stage alongside the music legends.

The two, who have over the past decade delivered some of the best songs in Ghana and have kept Highlife and its derivative music forms alight, are sure to perform some of their hit songs as well as some of the timeless Highlife songs that Ghana has grown to love.

There are other surprise acts billed to perform at this year’s Music of Ghanaian Origin Dinner Dance to be held at the plush Kempinski Gold Coast Hotel, Accra, come Saturday March 25.

The 2017 MOGO Dinner Dance is sponsored by GCB Bank Limited and Freight Consult and is powered by Citi 97.3 FM.

Okyeame Kwame at MOGO 2013

By: Kojo Akoto Boateng/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Nana Ampadu, Paapa Yankson, A.B Crentsil, Amandzeba, others for #MOGO2017 appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

Its new PlayStation 4 console will get third-person shooter Unchartered 4 in 2015, while Sack Boy is due to star in Little Big Planet 3 in November.

Sony also announced it would launch a budget console for $99 (£59) this year.

Sony’s E3 games expo event covered more topics than Microsoft’s, but industry watchers were split as to which firm had come out on top.

“I think Microsoft had the better show – it was tighter and more focused,” said Stephen Totilo, editor-in-chief of the games news site Kotaku.

“A lot of the Sony games that we saw were for 2015, and Microsoft did a better job of showing people what they will be getting in 2014.

“E3 is always to some extent smoke and mirrors, and when you’re at the event you have to discern what is real and what is hype.”

While Sony showed off live gameplay for the Little Big Planet game at the Los Angeles event, it only showed a brief pre-rendered trailer for Unchartered 4: A Thief’s End, and a pre-recorded clip of another big budget title The Order: 1886, also due to go on sale next year.

However, NowGamer writer Adam Barnes had a different take.

“It was probably Sony that came out on top in the end, in spite of the wasted time talking up the benefits of Sony’s TV and entertainment department,” he told the BBC.

“Bloodborne carries a lot of prestige among gamers and the first official unveiling of Grand Theft Auto 5 on a next-gen platform will certainly carry a lot of weight for many.”

Bloodborne is a forthcoming role-playing action title from Hidetaka Miyazaka, creator of the notoriously difficult title Dark Souls.

Sony was first to show “new-gen” GTA V footage, but the Xbox One is also getting the title

The PS4 version of crime-themed GTA V is due to go on sale in the autumn, shortly after the 29 July release of another re-mastered title, The Last Of Us.

Sony also announced that add-on content for its game Infamous: Second Son – due out in August – could be bought and played by consumers who had not purchased the original title.

Along with the more family-friendly Little Big Planet 3 – which is compatible with user-created levels for earlier versions of the platformer – the titles will help tackle criticism that several other big-name titles unveiled at last year’s E3 have been delayed until 2015.

Analysis from E3: Dave Lee, Los Angeles

New content for Infamous Second Son centres on a female character with superpowers

Before Sony’s press event at E3, the company puts on a big open air do – food stands, beer, DJ, the works. In the LA sun. It’s a pleasant way to end a busy day of announcements.

For Sony, it serves another, more useful purpose. Unlike Microsoft’s press conference at 09:30 local time, which has a room full of skipped breakfasts and hangovers, the PlayStation event is packed with excitable, whooping games fans.

But the incessant hollering after every sentence won’t disguise the fact that much of what we saw from Sony tonight will not enter gamer’s worlds until 2015.

Compared to the strong portfolio of titles coming to Xbox One before the end of the year, it could prove to be an Achilles heel.

Yet tipping the battle back in Sony’s favour is the fact that some of its exclusives looked utterly stunning.

A points win for Sony, one analyst told me, though plenty will disagree.

First looks

Sony was the first to stream footage of the fighting game Mortal Kombat X

Sony has boasting rights to the fact that it managed to secure first-look gameplay from Rocksteady’s Batman: Arkham Knight, Bungie’s Destiny, and NeatherRealm Studios’s Mortal Kombat X, despite the fact they will all be released on the Xbox One as well.

Bungie’s follow-up to Halo, Destiny, was the first game shown at Sony’s event

The Japanese firm managed to surprise its audience with news that it had signed a deal to allow PS4 owners to invite others to play multiplayer battles in another title – Ubisoft’s Himalayas-set actioner Far Cry 4 – even if the “friends” had not bought the software.

The Far Cry 4 demo showed gun battles in the Himalayas featuring elephants

It also drew one of the loudest cheers of the event with news that LucasArts classic 1998 game Grim Fandango was being recreated for PlayStation by Double Fine Productions.

But other elements of its show were less well received.

News that Grim Fandango was being re-mastered for the PS4 drew a huge cheer

A drawn out promotion for Powers – an in-development detective TV series involving characters with superpowers – only generated scattered applause.

“This is not selling the series very strongly,” blogged Ars Technica in its live coverage of the show.

A long section of the show was dedicated to TV show Powers despite the fact Sony was only able to show off concept art

News of an animated movie based on the characters Ratchet and Clank movie had an even cooler reception.

Micro console

Beyond a quick mention of two new demos for Project Morpheus, Sony’s virtual reality helmet was all but ignored.

The firm instead focused on the North American launch of PS Now in July – a service that will allow PS4s to play games made for older consoles via the internet. It added that the service would be extended to the PS3, PS Vita handheld and selected Sony TVs later in the year.

No mention was made of it coming to other parts of the world.

Sony says its budget PlayStation TV console will be able to access many older games

However, Sony did reveal that Europe would be included in the initial launch of the PlayStation TV – a $99 device that can stream games from the PS4 to a second TV in the home, as well as provide access to Sony’s online content including movies and PS Now, where available.

Mr Totilo was not impressed.

“I think the PlayStation TV is a confusing product,” he said.

“Sony TVs are now playing PlayStation games, the PlayStation TV is playing backwards-compatible games – I think if I was the consumer I’d be in a muddle about which of Sony’s many different devices is the one that I need.”

Infinite exploration

The audience proved more receptive to some of the indie games on show.

Despite the giant scope of No Man’s Sky, it was developed by a four-person team

UK-based Hello Games was widely praised for its promo of No Man’s Sky – a title involving a universe containing an “infinite” amount of planets.

Giant Squid also showed off Abzu – an underwater-set follow-up to its award-winning title Journey.

The player’s character interacted with a wide variety of seal life in the Abzu trailer

However, there was no mention of The Last Guardian – a game first announced by Sony at E3 five years ago, which the firm recently stressed had not been cancelled.

 

Source: BBC

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