It has been a matter of mutual admiration between the two acts for a while and highlife exponent Adane Best and the Bukom Ensemble folkloric group have now decided to cooperate and push each other up the music ladder.
Since late last year, the Ensemble featuring Best as a guest, have played gigs in Kumasi, Suhum, Kasoa, Nsawam and Accra, and are in deep rehearsal at the moment for Homowo shows due to take off by the middle of this month.
Adane Best has been a bright fixture on the music scene here since 1992 when his debut Ayite album won the Entertainment Critics and Reviewers Association of Ghana (ECRAG) award for Best Dance music. He sings predominantly in Ga, but his music has wide appeal.
His massively popular Maa Fio clinched the Highlife Song of the Year trophy at the 2003 Ghana Music Awards (GMA) and he repeated the feat with Adesa at the 2008 ceremony. His current hit, Dzata Bi was nominated in the same category for this year�s awards.
The Bukom Ensemble was formed by the late drummer, Nii Adu �Big Boy� Ofoliquaye, in the early 1980s after breaking away from the famous Wulomei. The group is now led by his son, David Nii Arday Ofoliquaye and has continued to dish out the infectious folk-driven rhythms it has always been known for.
The two acts have already collaborated to record a 10-track album, Yei Pii Ye; a composition by Nii Big Boy. Best, who has proved over the years that he can always deliver good stuff, also contributed material for the album.
�I have always enjoyed the music of the Bukom Ensemble. The lyrics are often positive and the rhythm grabs you,� Best says. �I grew up on that kind of music and I am glad we are working together to bring out the best in all of us,� he said.
Best has in the past collaborated on projects with a variety of artistes including Amandzeba, Borax, Tinny and Kaseem Bebe. He is still a solo act, but says artistes must not hesitate to join forces and create worthy things whenever possible.
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