Alabaster Box raises funds in aid of street children

Accra, Nov. 16, GNA - The sensational Alabaster Box, on Sunday organized a four-hour musical concert dubbed "Afropella Nite 2003" designed to raise funds and logical support for needy homes and persons in the country.

The night attracted seasoned Afropella, Acapella, groups and other Gospel singers including Diana Akiwumi, the Kings Jubilee from the Liberian refugee camp, Mega Voices from Lighthouse Chapel, the Pilgrims and the Soul Winners.

By 1800 hours the National Theatre was filled by a large audience comprising Ministers of State, members of the Diplomatic Corps and a cross section of the public of whom sang and dance heartily alongside the various performers.

The Alabaster Box from their maiden 12-track album, "From Akwaaba to Goodbey," thrilled the enthusiastic audience with popular song sending most of the audience to their feet.

The song includes: "Akwaaba" (Welcome), which obviously welcomes the listners to enjoy the fragrance of sweet aroma of music, "Amazing Grace," "Nyonmo Baafee" (God will do it), "Abladei" (Royal Priesthood). The Box ended the show with their hit song, "Nante yiye" (Goodbye) which bids listeners farewell after a unique treat to the hospitality of the various group's kind of music.

As the show was drawing to a close, the ecstatic audience became uncontrollable as they danced their way to the stage with some climbing to cheer the artistes.

In a welcoming address, Atta Lartey, Director, said the Academy was set up in 1986 to provide deprived children, particularly those on the streets of Accra, with care and education.

He said the children, aged between eight and 15, are encouraged to develop interest in learning, adding that it now has 100 children studying at the academy with 180 being sponsored in the formal education system.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr Samuel Dowuona said "Afropella Nite" would also be used to foster unity and collaboration among various acappella groups in the country and abroad, with the view to create a more formidable acapella music industry in the country. He also called on music award organizers to create a category for acappella music in the near future to serve as moral booster for "our trade of music." 16 Nov. 2003