Introducing; Collaboration, A Ghanaian Gospel Group In Instrumental Music

Collaboration, a Ghanaian gospel group expressing herself more in the area of instrumental music. The group is interested in taking our Ghanaian experience as far as it can go.

*The group; Collaboration was conceived in 1990, while Sidney and Kwesi were on tour with Abundant Life Ministries in Europe but was formally birthed and out-doored in 1997. Collaboration was the all Ghanaian band tha*t backed Ron Kenoly during his 1998 2-day concerts in Accra.

The founding members of the group believed there was the need for a platform for better musical expression, away from the status quo. It was also formed around the desire to break church and denominational barriers by partnering with other Christian musicians in undertaking major assignments. Over the years they have had the privilege of ministering with an enviable array of some of the choicest musicians on the local scene.

*'Mo Ne Me Nkamfo' – a classic release from Collaboration *

The local music scene in Ghana has not experienced any major impact in the area of jazz/instrumental productions in the mainstream let alone on the Gospel scene. This could be partly due to the fact that the jazz loving segments in general tend to be in the minority and when translated into Gospel jazz it gets even smaller. The result is very little motivation by musicians to venture into its development and production.

A group going by the name 'Collaboration' seems to have dared all the odds and after 6 years in the studio, *Mo Ne Me Nkamfo* (Let's worship together) an album that can be described as a new standard and definition in gospel music, is finally out. Arranged and produced by the group 'Collaboration', the album features seven well-known popular choruses and an original track, *"Ye Koto Sore Wo"* written by a member of the group, Kwesi Dickson (and first released on an album about 2 decades ago). The songs have jazz as the main stylistic ingredient with skillful choral backing for easy identification by the average listener. The result of this mix is a collection of songs that are pleasing to the ear and refreshing to the spirit. 'Collaboration' hopes that through this debut production, listeners will better understand the role of instruments in praise and worship, as well as the dual role of the musician in ministering to God first and secondly leading people in worship into His presence.

The word 'Collaboration is defined as *"the act of working with another person or group of people to produce something" (Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary)* and this is exactly what the group is about, partnering or working with other like-minded Christian musicians whenever there is a call to duty. Special guests 'collaborating' on the *'Mo Ne Me Nkamfo'* album are *Paul Duah* on guitars, *Ernest Eshun* on Bass, *TVO Lamptey* on special percussion effects with *Marion Atiemo *and *Uche Newman* providing background vocals. Collaboration is essentially Sidney Koranteng on drums and Kwesi Dickson on keyboards. Together these two have a modest pedigree of music ministry spanning over 2 decades both in Ghana and abroad. Collaboration was the all-Ghanaian band that supported Ron Kenoly during the '98 Accra concerts organized by Joy 99.7FM. The album was recorded at the Vision Audio Lab Studio, Haatso Accra and is available on CD in a number of music stores. *'Mo Ne Me Nkamfo'* is a refreshing arrival not only on the gospel music scene, but an innovative indigenous production that should make every Ghanaian proud.

Songs on the album are *Mo ne Me (Nkamfo), Nyankopon Ye Yi Wo Aye, Yeda Wo Ase Efata , Onyame (Wo Na Yebesom Wo), Agya Onyame, Wonsa Ano Adwuma, ,Nyame Adwuma ,Ye Koto Sore Wo *

Profile of Members

*Sidney Koranteng – Drums (Leader)*

Sidney began playing drums in 1980 with the band Wage Freeze while in Mfantsipim School, Cape Coast. As a Christian musician, he has supported groups and individuals like *Joyful Way Incorporated*, *Voices of Triumph (Christian Action Faith Ministries), Gospel Explosion (UST from 1981 – 1985) Abundant Life Ministries, Bernice Offei, Rev. Tom Bright-Davies* and a host of others.

Sidney holds a BSc. (Hons) degree in Agriculture from UST, Kumasi, but runs a marketing outfit, Fresh Solutions Ventures. He is also the author of the book "The Christian Musician, Minister Or...?" and finds time to share biblical insights with other Christian musicians in seminars and workshops. He is married with three children and fellowships at Logos Rhema Community Assembly, La Accra.

*Kwesi Dickson - Keyboards*

Kwesi Dickson a keyboard player, composer, arranger and technical producer is by far one of the most accomplished musicians of our time. His works include a number of compositions and studio productions for Christian musicians such as *Stella Seal, Bernice Offei, Kojo 'Borax' Folson, Susie and Matt,* and others. Kwesi holds a BSc. (Hons.) degree in Agricultural Mechanization from the University of Ghana, Legon. He is currently employed as a Credit Analyst with the Agricultural Development Bank. Married with a son, Kwesi fellowships at Logos Rhema Community Assembly, La Accra.

*Profile of some of the guests featured on the Collaboration "Mo Ne Me Nkamfo"*

*Paul Yaw Adanse-Pippim Duah** –** Guitars*

Paul, an engineer by profession is the leader of the group God's Collection and has been playing guitar since 1980. Paul worships at the Logos Rhema Central Assembly, La. His unique style of play continues to make him a much sought after guitarist.

*Ernest Eshun – Bass*

Ernest is a banker by profession, a member of the group God's Collection and by all standards one of the finest bassists in the country. He is a member of the resident choir of 'AHENFIE' the Royal House Chapel.