Atongo Zimba entertains at Dutch King’s Day celebration

World acclaimed Ghanaian singer and “Koliko” player, Atongo Zimba was the main performer at the Netherlands’ King’s Day celebration in Accra, which is a Dutch national holiday to celebrate the birthday of King Willem-Alexander.

The singer who has lived part of his life in Holland entertained guests and Dutch nationals at the residence of the Ambassador with his songs including his version of the polka classic "No Beer In Heaven" which was a major hit.

With over a dozen albums to his credit and international awards, Atongo Zimba played tunes of the national anthems of Ghana and the Netherlands with the “Koliko” at the admiration of the people present including the Ambassador, Mr Hans Docter.

The “Koliko” is a locally made guitar with two or three strings stretching from a stick attached to a calabash base. This musical instrument originates from northern Ghana and has a unique sound a little different from the regular guitar. Atongo Zimba and King Ayisoba have made the “Koliko” very popular in Ghanaian music.

Atongo Zimba supported by another guitar player, Ackah Blay, was acknowledged by the Ambassador for being a great musician and a friend to the Netherlands community. He revealed that Atongo is currently working with Bavaria Beer on a song for the brand in the Netherlands.

Atongo has toured Europe, South America and Africa with his music. His album Barefoot in the Sand was nominated "African CD of the Year" in 2007 by Amsterdam television.

Atongo sings in Frafra, Pidgin English, Hausa, Twi and Ga and was born in Bolgatanga in 1967. He did several years opening act for Fela Kuti in the Kuti Shrine in Lagos, Nigeria and has played with Manu Dibango, Hugh Masekela, Francis Fuster, Angelique Kidjo, Osibisa among many other great African musicians.

His first album "Allah Mongode" was released in 1994 followed by his first European tour.