Akablay launches album

Lead guitarist, Anthony Akablay fascinated music enthusiasts over the weekend with some tunes from his guitar at Alliance Francaise in Accra, where he launched his debut album, “Life In the Pot”.

The album, which comprised of guitar rhythms and not the usual vocal music, he told Beatwaves, was to revive and encourage the use of guitar in African music. According to him African music in general and Ghanaian music in particular were based on the guitar and that of late, musicians neglected the use of the guitar in their works.

He disclosed that besides the album he had plans to establish a training centre for upcoming musicians.

Last Saturday at the launching ceremony, not only did he mount the stage to introduce his unique 14-track album, but also to do what he knows best.

He gave classic rendition of the songs on the album as ‘Acheke’, ‘Shoa in Addis Ababa’, ‘Kundun’, ‘Ahogbo petepete’ and others. His audience, who were enthralled with the bouncing renditions from Akablay, cheered and applauded at every performance.

Even though they were not on their feet to do some boogieing, most of them nodded their heads and as well tapped their feet in appreciation of the rhythms from Akablay.

Notable among the audience were musicians Rex Omar, Felix Bell, Kwesi P, Orlando Julius and wife Latoya, who did not hesitate to exhibit her dancing prowess. Also present was Becca’s executive producer, Kiki Banson and many other personalities.

Trumpeter Mac Tontoh of Osibisa fame and Wulomei were also there, not to watch their colleague, but assist him, as they performed alongside Akablay.

Akablay is undoubtedly one of the best guitarists in Ghana today and he has performed with a number of seasoned Ghanaian musicians such as Rex Omar, Jewel Ackah, Nat Brew, Daddy Lumba, Ofori Amponsah, Sonti Ndebele from Botswana, Obrafour, Kofi B and a host of others.