Ghana is mourning the passing of one of its legends; Highlife musician, Jewel Ackah. The veteran musician, who had been ill for some time, died last Friday evening at the age of 73.
He had battled a stroke and other ailments for about 10 years but his passing has still hit the music industry hard especially his contemporaries, some of who told Showbiz, his death is a big blow.
According to Highlife musician, Bessa Simons, Jewel Ackah was a perfectionist who made sure everything worked well in a group.
“You cannot work with him if you are not disciplined and I like the fact that he made sure we had successful shows all the time. We both played in CK Mann’s All Masters Band and it was fun working with him,” he said.
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Bessa Simons added that Ghana has lost a legend who can never be replaced.
For GHAMRO Chairman, Rex Omar, Jewel Ackah’s song, Asomdwe Hene remains one of his best Highlife songs. “I listen to that song very often because I take a lot of inspiration from it,” he disclosed.
According to Rex Omar, Jewel Ackah’s name cannot be taken out when when it comes to Highlife legends in Ghana.
“I was not so close to him like the other musicians but I loved his music and I learnt a lot from him,” he said.
For Della Hayes, Jewel Ackah was more like a father to her, and described him as a great man.
“Jewel Ackah was the one who motivated me to form my All Female band (Women of Colour) after working with him on a song called Joyce.
“He is one person who made sure everything was on point and I miss the days he used to train me. His voice is unique and I am going to miss him,” she said.
Another Highlife musician, Smart Nkansah, told Showbiz Jewel Ackah’s voice blew him away. According to him, he had a good time with him when they worked at the Sweet Talks band.
Gospel musician, Joyce Blessing said although she knew Jewel Ackah was not well, she didn’t think he would die soon.
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To her, working with him on W’henni to Rentwa Da was one of the best things that has ever happened to her music career.
“He was a good man and he made sure the right things were done all the time,” Joyce Blessing stated.
The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) which honoured the late musician with the Music Hero award at its Grand Ball in December last year, said in a statement that Jewel Ackah will forever be cherished.
Communications Director, Ahuma Ocansey (Daddy Bosco), said his one-week observation will be announced shortly.
Jewel Ackah was one of the Highlife greats and in the 80s and 90s, was at the top of his career with his distinct voice which appealed to many. He also experimented with Gospel music at some points in his life.
Some of his songs include Asomdwoe Hene, Jesus, Manye Yie among others.
Jewel Ackah was a perfectionist – Colleague musicians
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