Gyedu-Blay Ambolley

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Gyedu-Blay Ambolley
Afropop
  • jazz
  • Occupation(s)
    • Saxophonist
    • bass guitarist
    • guitarist
    • composer
    • percussionist
    • singer
    • band leader
    • arranger
    • record producer
    Years activeEarly 1970s–present[1][2]
    Labels
    • Essiebons Records[3]
    • Wea International[4]
    • Dix Records
    • Simigwa
    Websitewww.ambolley.com

    Gyedu-Blay Ambolley is a Ghanaian highlife musician, songwriter, producer, and composer. The first musician from Ghana and the world to formally incorporate rap forms into local highlife rhythms, Ambolley created the musical genre Simigwa.[5]

    Career

    Gyedu-Blay Ambolley was rather unknown outside of West Africa until

    high-life, funk and jazz[8][9]
    music.

    Achievements

    In June 2015 Ambolley received a citation in the US from the City Council of Philadelphia,[10] read by Councilwoman Honorable Jannie Blackwell and Hon. Stanley J. Staughter in recognition of the musician's contributions to Ghanaian music in the US.

    Awards

    • Most Consistent Artist — Ghana (1980)[11]
    • Album and Song of the Year — Ghana (1990)[11]
    • Trend Music Awards — Ivory Coast (1997)[11]
    • Africa-American History Award — MWEPC, Los Angeles, CA (2001)[11]
    • Afrikan Music Award — Los Angeles, CA (2002)[11]
    • Malcolm X Music Festival Award — Los Angeles, CA (2002)[11]
    • Lifetime Achievement Award — The Jazz at Drew from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA (2003)[12]
    • Congressional, Gubernatorial Certificate of Special Recognition — Congresswoman Juanita Millinder McDonald (2003)[13]
    • Best World Beat Recombinant Artist 2003 & Best World Beat Recombinant Artist 2003 L.A. Weekly nominated Ambolley for Best World Beat Recombinant Artist in 2003[14] and 2004[15]

    References

    1. ^ Saskia Bosch, Belinda van de Graaf, Sandra Kooke, Peter van der Lint, Stan Rijven, Seije Slager Rappen? Dat deed Ambolley al in 1973. (in Dutch) August 31, 2010
    2. ^ a b "Red Bull Music Academy". Retrieved 5 July 2016.
    3. ^ "CLEAR SPOT". Retrieved 5 July 2016.
    4. ^ "Gyedu Blay Ambolley - Ambolley". Retrieved 5 July 2016.
    5. ^ Nikansah, Rexford (July 18, 2013). "Gyedu Blay-Ambolley on Simigwado and highlife history". The African Dream. Retrieved 15 June 2016.
    6. ^ "Gyedu Blay-Ambolley on Simigwado and highlife history". TheAfricanDream.net. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
    7. ^ "Various - Ghana Soundz". Retrieved 5 July 2016.
    8. ^ Jazz, All About. "West Africa: Blay Ambolley". Retrieved 5 July 2016.
    9. ^ "Ambolley Releases Hi-Life Jazz". Retrieved 5 July 2016.
    10. ^ "Ambolley citation - TheAfricanDream.net". Retrieved 11 July 2016.
    11. ^ a b c d e f "Peace FM Online ::: Print News".
    12. ^ Jodacame. "Gyedu Blay Ambolley - Grooveshark - Free Music Streaming". Retrieved 5 July 2016.
    13. ^ "FEMUA 2014: Gyedu-Blay Ambolley - RADIO AFRIKA". Retrieved 5 July 2016.
    14. ^ Payne, John (22 May 2003). "L.A. Weekly Music Awards 2003". Retrieved 5 July 2016.
    15. ^ Payne, John (27 May 2004). "LAWMA 2004". Retrieved 5 July 2016.