Three musicians die in July

July 2007 would be remembered in the history of the Ghanaian music industry as a time when two veteran musicians and a producer died through various ailments.

The two Ghanaian musicians are Bishop Michael Osei Bonsu, a gospel musician, and Kwadjo Aquai, highlife musician, and David Laryea aka Apor, a seasoned music producer.

Rev Michael Osei Bonsu died of cancer at the Ridge Hospital. His sickness became serious in mid-2006 and rendered him inactive for months, until his death.

It is however being alleged that he might have died as a result of a serious head infection which had been hidden for years and brought him incessant nasal problems.

The bishop’s illness generated many rumours, which included an allegation that there was misunderstanding over finances between him (the bishop) and Pastor Love Hammond, husband of gospel songbird, Christiana Love.

Bishop Osei Bonsu was the founder of Back To God Church in Accra. He had over 70 hit songs to his credit and was well known for the playing of the accordion. His music career spans over 30 years, when he used to preach and sing on the streets of Accra.

Kwadjo Aquai also died of heart failure at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital on Tuesday night, after being ill for the past months.

One of Kwadjo’s most popular songs in Ghana is ‘Anadwo Fa’, an evergreen classic that has become a signature tune on Peace FM’s late night show, ‘Woba Ada Ana’.

He was a master blender of soul with elements of jazz, funk and rock. Kwadjo had recorded seven new albums since he returned home eight years ago from the United States, but none has been released till date because of the unstructured nature of Ghana’s copyright system, which hardly paid royalties to copyright owners.

Kwadjo Aquai was one of the stakeholders who were advocating proper laws on the administration and distribution of royalties to musicians and stakeholders.

The sad death of David Laryea Afortey, Executive Director of Prince Dave Records occurred at the Trust Hospital, Osu on July 5.

Apor had been in critical condition with jaundice complications for sometime now, but surely, not the type that should have sent him to his grave. His death had not been a pleasant one to family members, who suspect foul play.

Apor would be best remembered for his contribution to the music industry, having produced the likes of Ananu Shakar, Latifa & Anansewaa (LA), Pope Skinny, 4×4, Bright of Buk Bak fame and Castro d’Destroyer.

He was about signing on Sydney and two other gospel artistes when he met his untimely death.

Daily Guide sends its condolences to all the families.