Atongo Zimba urges re-packaging of northern music

Date of Publication; December 14, 2013 DAILY GRAPHIC, GHANA

Ghanaian international musician, Atongo Zimba, has called on young musicians from northern Ghana to focus on indigenous music from northern Ghana and re-package it for bigger appeal. The No Beer in Heaven hit-maker argued that indigenous northern Ghanaian music was comparable to award-winning songs from other parts of the continent that had gained international recognition. “The problem we have here is that we disrespect our own music. If you listen to northern music, you will realise that we are mostly on the track of the likes of Youssou N'Dour, Salif Keita, Baaba Maal and Manu Dibango,” Atongo said during an interview in Bolgatanga. “Music from the northern Ghana is the type Europeans want to hear. Northern music is authentic and organic and must be promoted, ” he said adding that he was ready to contribute his experience to support initiatives that sought to reposition indigenous northern music. Atongo Zimba, together with the famous King Ayisoba and 2012 MTN Hit-Maker finalist, Atimbilla among other artistes, performed last Saturday at the Kofi Charlie Floor of the Bolgatanga Catering Rest House. Atongo Zimba and King Ayisoba lit up the night and treated patrons to some good kologo tunes that got patrons out of their seats to shake off the biting cold associated with the harmattan weather. The show sought to relive the hey days of the defunct Uppers International Band and start a process of reviving the band. Musicians such as Christy Azuma, Nat Awuni and Sammy Young all played for the government- supported band that broke up after the demise of the Kutu Acheampong military regime. Guests at last Saturday’s show included the Upper East Regional Minister, Alhaji Limuna Mohammed-Muniru and his deputy, Daniel Syme. Alhaji Mohammed-Muniru commended the organizers of the programme for their initiative to revive the entertainment scene in the region and pledged the support of the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council. One of the patrons of the idea to retrace the steps of the Old Uppers International Band, Naba Bombiga, who is also the chief of Zaare, spoke of the strides made by the Uppers International Band Chapters 1 and 2 and the nation-wide impact they made. He was hopeful that with the support of all, such success could be replicated http://graphic.com.gh/entertainment/14166-atongo-zimba-urges-re-packaging-of-northern-music.html