Blast From The Past
This week we focus on the astonishing songwriter and musician known as Adane Best.
Adane Best is a veteran Highlife singer known for his euphonious voice and thought-provoking lyrics. A majority of Best’s songs are written and performed in the Ga Dialect. Ga is a dialect familiar with people of the southeast coast of Ghana. This dialect is associated with the Kwa branch of Niger-Congo languages.
With a rich past in music as a backup vocalist, in 1992 Adane Best ventured into music with his first album entitled “Ayitey”. This album captured stories and experiences related to migration and the hardship during that time period. Adane has a unique way of communicating deep thoughts, lessons, and stories within his music; this quality makes his songs memorable and relatable.
In 2007, Adane Best was quoted stating the following, “My kind of music moves into various directions, especially highlife. I can use any rhythm at all to string through and this makes it stand different.”
To date, Adane Best has 10 albums within his musical catalog.
This week the category is “The Best of the Best.”
Ayitey
Off the Adane Best first album released in 1992, Ayitey is a song that details the experiences of Adane’s brother who traveled to Nigeria for greener pastures but was deported back to Ghana.
Sisi
Released in 2003, Sisi is an emotional yet danceable song about love. Adane Best captures listeners with a whimsical tale about love and seeking the hand of his love (Sisi).
Maafio
Maafio was originally performed by the Wulomei band. In 1999, Adane Best released his rendition of this classic song. Adane Best version is also popularly known as “Soldier Go, Soldier come.”
Zaamunya Munya
Zaamunya munya is an informative song filled with proverbs and advice. Adane Best and Appietus combine melodies, proverbs, and rhythms to create a Jama like experience.
Adesa
Adesa means Human Beings. This song describes the joyous and deadly nature of human beings. Adane Best packages this profound message with a fun danceable beat.
Shitwralo gboo mra
Shitwralo gboo mra talks about the importance of taking your time in life. Adane highlights biblical references and provides solid references as to why life is never a race but rather a journey.
Mama Mia
Mama Mia is one of my Favorites. From the melody to the words, Mama Mia seeks to inspire and uplift. With lyrics prompting listeners to stop comparing their journeys to others, Mama Mia is such a meaningful song.
Yoo
Yoo is a phrase similar to Okay. Adane Best takes this casual phrase and adds his twist to create a song about complacency.
Woye Eko
Woye Eko is a song about the dangers of selfishness.
Rabbi
Remember me if any Darkness overtakes me!
Rabbi is a powerful song that comes off as a prayer for guidance and protection.