#Pentanata

[choralmusicghana]

Kenn Kafui Passes On

On the morning of Wednesday 18th March, Ghana - and Africa - lost a towering figure in the indigenous art/choral music space. 

Kenneth Kwaku Avortri Kafui, composer of choral works such as Mida Akpe and Dzidɔm, as well as the famous Pentanata and Drumnata works, passed away at the Nyaho Clinic at 6am. The news of the sad event, which spread quickly through the community within hours of his demise, was met with profound expressions of gratitude for the legacy of the celebrated composer.

His musical career saw him direct the Abibigromma theatre group at the University of Ghana, where he last worked as a lecturer in music theory and composition at the Music Department. Globally, he is considered as one of the leading composers of African art music.

His compositions included choral, orchestral and symphonic works, as well as piano and organ solos and pieces for indigenous instruments.

A recipient of the American Medal of Honor, Mr. Kafui also worked as a composer for the GBC’s orchestra, where he also hosted a long running musical program that was televised weekly, which he used to provide exposure to some of his best music students from Achimota Senior High School.

For a few months in 1984, he was appointed as conductor and interim director of the National Symphony Orchestra of Ghana, joining a long line of illustrious Ghanaian musicians who have led the national ensemble, including Philip Gbeho and Nana Danso Abiam.

At the height of his career, Kenn Kafui enjoyed international exposure when he had the opportunity to represent Ghana at conferences in eastern European states and the USSR.

In his later years, Mr. Kenn Kafui remained an active participant in Ghana’s choral music space, gracing occasions in spite of his failing health, and never missing an opportunity to speak publicly about music appreciation, the importance of the arts and musical education in Ghanaian society today.