Black music festival launched in Accra

Mr Bernard Botte, Charge d’Affaire of the French Embassy in Ghana,  launched the Black Music Odyssey and High Vibes Music Festival, on Thursday in Accra.

Designed by Mondomix, the event which would run from November 3 to December 31, 2011, was to honour the epic history of black music, and celebrate musical legends, who had left their mark everywhere in the world.

“We are extremely happy to invite you to begin this journey on the footprints of these famous and iconic musicians,” Mr Botte told the launching participants, including Ghanaian music legends Gyedu Blay Ambolley, Pat Thomas, Bessa Simons and Ebo Taylor.

The festival, a multimedia of jazz, blues, gospel, rock, hip hop, salsa, hi-life, reggae and funk would celebrate all genre at different locations – the National Museum, Citizen Kofi , Afrikiko Leisure Centre and Movenpick Ambassado Hotel, all in Accra  at specified dates.

Music of the yesteryears played by Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Mariam Makeeba, Ali Farka Toure, Billie Holiday, Miles Dibango, Bob Marley and Youssou N’Dour, which retraces some roots and history of music on the African continent would be re-performed.

“Such event has a crucial role to play in the development of the music industry, and the promotion of the Ghanaian talented artists as well as in the circulation of African artists, “Mr Botte said.

Bessa Simons and Ebo Taylor thrilled the audience with exciting music.

Source: GNA