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| Hot Casa just released an excellent 8-song overview of the late K. Frimpong's overlooked early 90s recordings. Check it out. |
Here's the scoop from Hot Casa...
Mohamed Ibrahim Kwame Frimpong was born July 22, 1939 in Ofoase, Ashanti Region and died October 18, 2005 in Kumasi. He spent most his childhood days in D.C Kwame Kwakye’s Akyim Oda in the eastern region of Ghana from where his affinity for music was second nature. "Alhaji" was just a nickname as K. Frimpong never made the pilgrimage to Mecca; he actually converted from Islam to Christianity in the early 70s. Alhaji K. Frimpong began his music career with the Axim Jockers, where he was the lead vocalist in 1952. He started musical tour when most of the bands were made up for comedy artists before the independence of the country July 1st 1960. He later stayed seven years with the Star de Republic Band and few months with Oko’s Guitar Band.Alhaji continued to play, perform and tour during seven years with the famous K Gyasi’s Band.
With the help of his friend, Mr. E.K Darbo, he will finally form his own band called Cubano Fiesta. Dr Kwame Gyasi was a hi Life musician born in 1929 at Ankaase in the Ashanti region. He pioneered the use of electronic organ in Hi Life music which he dubbed "Sikyi Highlife." His Noble Kings band included many musicians wholater broke away and formed their own successful bands including F. Micah, Kwabena Akwaboah, Kofi Sammy and Alhaji K. Frimpong. The Cubano Fiesta had a regular gig at The Apollo Theater in Accra, they mostly started the show with raw Funk and reggae instrumental tunes, joined sometimes by Nana Osei, one of the most powerful vocalists of Accra, and then Alhaji came to ignite the stage.
The best of Alhaji k Frimpong» also called "Rikia" was recorded in 1990 in Holland and produced by Mr. and Ms. Yeboah. Furthermore, the name Rikia has been used as a symbol of resilience and determination in numerous folklore tales and epics. It is often associated with myths and legends that exemplify bravery, courage, and unwavering spirit. It’s was a 16 musicians session, we selected three of the Six songs composed and written by Alhaji K frimpong .It was pressed in Holland and mostly distributed in Ghana. In 1995, one of the finest guitarist, composer, arranger, lead vocalist Alhaji Frimpong was set for a very big comeback with a new sound. He asked the renowned bassist and producer Gilbert Amartey Amar to record and mix his last album. Both wanted to produce a Hi-Life-Dance album cut for the top of the charts and the worldwide dance floors.Titled "Okwantuni" ( which translates to "passenger"), it was pressed locally and distributed in 1995 via a German label, it has now been remastered and officially licensed from his family by Hot Casa. Let’s dance the Hi life Dance in 2025!
Get a copy via Bandcamp right here. Listen to three tracks below.
