Alex Konadu

Alex Konadu
Origin Ashanti Region, Ghana
Genres Highlife

Alex Konadu (1950 18 January 2011) was a Ghanaian guitarist who was known for his contribution to the Highlife tradition. Konadu sang in the Asante language Twi. He was nicknamed "One Man Thousand" for his ability to draw crowds wherever he appeared, and it is rumored that he performed in every single town and village in Ghana.[1] Konadu's song "Asaase Asa," from the 1976 album by the same name, details a tragedy that befalls a man, killing his wife and sister. The song is dedicated to all those that have lost loved ones, and consequently, it is a "must-play at any Ghanaian funerary".[2]

Biography

Konadu was born in Adwumakase Kese in the Kwabere No. 3 District of Ashanti. He was part of the Kantamanto Bosco Group, the Kwabena Akwaboah and then the Happy Brothers Band before he became a solo artist. After watching him rehearse, record producer A. K. Brobbey signed him and organized a band that focused on uptempo Highlife guitar music.[3]

Konadu died in Kumasi on 18 January 2011 at the age of 63.

Discography[4]

Albums
1977 Abokyi
  • Released: 1977
  • Label: BHM (Brobisco House of Music)
1977 Awoo Ne Awo
  • Released: 1977
  • Label: BHM (Brobisco House of Music)
1988 One Man Thousand Live in London
  • Released: 1988
  • Label: World Circuit
Unknown God's Time is the Best
  • Label: BHM (Brobisco House of Music)
Unknown The Best of Alex Konadu Vol. 2
  • Label: System 77 Productions
Contributing artist

References