Accra, Nov. 5, GNA - Professor Emeritus Joseph Hanson Kwabena Nketia was on Friday celebrated for his immense contribution to the development of arts in the country.

Prof. Nketia is a renowned international musicologist, poet, cultural activist, nationalist and a scholar.

Professor Kwesi Yankah, Pro-Vice Chancellor, University of Ghana, praised the icon and said the hand of the artist was indispensable in every national campaign and educational agenda.

He said efforts to enrich and deepen the country's democracy would not have been possible if stakeholders do not resort to visual symbols, poetry, and music among others.

The DEMAY and Ghana Association of writers' night of the Arts staged at the National Theatre in Accra under the auspices of the Pan African Writers Association and the National Theatre created the setting for the celebration of the man who has made firm indelible prints in the fabric of Ghana's arts and culture.

"The entire exercise seeks to mainstream an important aspect of our lives, which has been perpetually sidelined, along with its creator", Prof.Yankah said.

The night saw memorable performances from the Ghana Dance Ensemble, Madina Presby choir, the Jubilee choir of the University of Ghana, Osei Korankye and Egya Koo Nimo. The audience were given soothing doses of choral music, solo and instrumentals from the repertoire of Prof. Nketia. The Ghana Dance Ensemble performed to the admiration of the expectant audience with the booming sounds of drumming laced with fluting accompanied by well rehearsed dance steps. The audience were also taken through the works and achievements of Prof Nketia and how they have contributed to the development of the country

Prof Nketia has over two hundred publications to his credit including more than twenty books.

He is also a recipient of numerous national and international awards including Ghana Gospel music special awards, Grand medal of Government of Ghana, Cowell awards of African Music Society, Ghana book awards, Companion of the order of the star of Ghana. Prof Nketia served as a Professor of Music at UCLA, University of Pittsburgh, and has lectured in many top universities in the United States, Europe, Africa and Asia, including the University of Michigan, Harvard, Stanford, City University of London, and the China Conservatory of Music.

He has over eighty compositions including choral, solo, and instrumental works and songs including 'Nkyirimma Nye Bi', 'Monna N'ase', 'Monkamfo No' and 'Yaanom Montie'. The legend also established the music section of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana, the African Dance Ensemble now the Ghana Dance Ensemble of the Institute and the international Centre for African Music and Dance.

He is recognised not only as an authority in the field of music in Africa but also as one of the world's leading ethnomusicologist. He is the Chancellor of Akrofi Christallor Institute of Theology Mission and Culture.