The original "Ghana Soundz": Ogyatanaa Show Band (1975)

If the name of the 70s Ghana funky highlife sensation “Ogyatanaa" somehow sounds familiar, you probably have the excellent Soundway collection “Ghana Soundz” – volume one or two; or the “Ghana Special” compilation. Ogyatanaa appear on all these excellent compilations.

Today’s ElectricJive diversion offers the legendary 1975 “African Fire” (also known as Yerefrefre), the band’s first album, containing their early 70s hits, along with a sumptuous twenty-minute tribute to Ghana’s highlife kings.

Recorded at the Ghana Film Studios, the original vinyl of “Yerefrefre” has today’s collectors paying high prices for yet another African gem that was never re-released.

Excerpt from the album back-cover written by Kwesi Yankah: “It is difficult to talk about the best in the highlife sounds of the seventies, and not to mention the music of the Ogyatanaa Show Band. In 1971 it is established. Barely a year later in its very infancy it takes second position in the National Dance Bands competition (small bands) – taking the whole of Ghana by storm with its unique and yet to be surpassed arrangement of the highlife classic “Yaa Amponsah” gratefully served on this album. In 1973 it turns the highlife world topsy-turvy with the hit tunes “Mmobrowa” “Ebe Yie Nie” and others. In 1974 it goes into seclusion; it does not rest, mind you, it begins home-working on a big something – a big something which eventually materialises in 1975, in the precious album you hold now!”

Personnel:
Nana Ofori – Leader / Guitar
Ocloo Jackson – Asst. Leader – Percussion/Drums
Ofori Frimpong – Keyboards
Kobina Gardiner – Bass Guitar
Nakai Nettey – Percussion
Pa Owiredu – Vocals / Percussion
Kwaku Dua – Vocals / Percussion

RS Here
MF Here