Ghana-Canada Achievements Award In Toronto

Israel Okeafor – Highlife & Contemporary Music Israel Okeafor is a dynamic, talented and rhythmic drummer in an all-African context. Israel’s interest in drums begun when he was just 4 years old and eaves dropped royal palace rhythms inside the walls in his town. Music as a pastime played an important role in the life of Israel. As the chip of the old block, Israel is the Carbon copy of his father who was good at wind instruments let alone his mother, a chorister. Some of the spiritual churches Israel attended and particularly instrumental are Mosama Disco Christo Church and the Celestial Church of Christ. His ability in drums spurred worship in these churches. Israel knew his talents could not have him confined in Ghana, therefore like a troubadour; he embarked on a musical journey. His artistic longing made him traverse Benin, Nigerian and Norway. His passion for drums has earned him a career of choice and a livelihood made up of composing, performing, production and teaching music. After moving to Canada ten years later, Israel still maintains his musical jibs. He has performed as a drummer in a number of prominent bands like Samara led by Emmanuel Quaye, Jungle Bouti Orchestra to mention but a few. If you should ask Israel his plan for the future as far as his musical career is concerned, without words minced, he will give you the impression of introducing a very old traditional rhythm from the Fantis of Ghana to the rest of the world.