National Theatre honours Ghanaba, Prof Nketia

Accra, July 27, GNA - Professor Emeritus J. H. Nketia (pictured) and the Divine Drummer Kofi Ghanaba were on Saturday honoured by the National Theatre for their immense contribution to the development of arts in the country.

The two, described as living legends, were presented with a shield, flower and special silver portrayed frame and a high profile musical performance dubbed the "Living Legends," to showcase their art works. Speaking to the GNA Entertainment Desk, Ms Korkor Amartefio Director of Operations of the National Theatre said such a programme was to enable the youth to appreciate the works of our living legends, and take inspirations from them to face the challenges of the musical profession.

She said The Living Legends series, which formed part of activities for the Theatre's 10th Anniversary would be a regular programme to showcase the works and compositions of distinguished artiste, writers and people directly connected with arts.

Ms Amartefio said; "Most of our living legends seems to be known better internationally than in their own country and it's time this trend is changed," stressing that the Living Legends series has come to correct the anomalies to honour our legends during their life time. Welcoming the audience, which included the Former First Family, Ministers of States, the Diplomatic Community, Parliamentarians, and a cross section of the public, Dr Mohammed Ben Abdallah, former Chairman of National Commission of Culture condemned what he called tyranny of mediocrity in the country.

He said; "The forces of tyranny of mediocrity had hindered the recognition of excellency, forced the excellent ones to go under ground at the expense of the larger community."

Accepting the award, Divine Drummer Kofi Ghanaba dedicated the honour to four personalities he called pillars of his life, which included Ex-President Jerry John Rawlings, whilst Prof Nketia dedicated his to the many choral groups who had served as mediums of transmitting his music and creative works to the larger audience.

Musical groups such as the National Symphony Orchestra, Klowor Something Band from Teshie, Medley-Glenn Ghanababi Warren, Winneba Youth Choir, Medina Immanuel Presbyterian Church Choir and IndigenAfrika clowned the evening with compositions from ancient to modern.

The audience gave a standing ovation at the end of Ghanaba's rendition of the Halleluiah Chorus back by the National Symphony Orchestra and the Mass Choir.