Agya Koo Nimo Is Alive, Go and Talk to Him — Akablay Admonishes Young Musicians

Veteran Ghanaian musician Akablay has expressed concern that many young musicians are failing to take advantage of the wealth of knowledge and experience possessed by legendary highlife icon Agya Koo Nimo.

Speaking in an interview with Kafui Dey, Akablay said younger artistes often avoid spending time with the celebrated musician because they believe he talks too much, overlooking the fact that he has spent much of his life as an educator.

"Agya Koo Nimo is still alive. Go talk to him. Their problem is they think the man talks too much, forgetting that the man is a lecturer," Akablay said. Agya Koo Nimo, born Daniel Amponsah, is widely regarded as one of Ghana’s greatest highlife musicians and cultural icons. The celebrated guitarist, singer and composer pioneered the palmwine music style and has spent decades preserving and promoting Ghanaian indigenous music. Beyond his music career, he is also an academic and former lecturer whose influence has shaped generations of Ghanaian musicians. His songs, including classics such as Osabarima and Owuo Atwedee, have earned him recognition both in Ghana and internationally.

According to him, Agya Koo Nimo's long conversations are part of his teaching method and should be seen as opportunities for learning rather than a burden.

"Lecturers talk. That's how they impart knowledge. As they are talking, you take a note or record it with permission," he stated.

Akablay revealed that he regularly visits the highlife legend and continues to learn from him. He recounted how Agya Koo Nimo often challenges him with assignments and reading materials.

"He gave me six books. For almost seven years now, I have not even finished one. Deep stuff. Any time I'm going, I have to go with an assignment. He will give you work to do because he's a teacher," he said.

The musician further disclosed that Agya Koo Nimo once taught him a unique technique to improve his guitar-playing speed. According to Akablay, the legendary guitarist instructed him to fill small bottles with sand, tie them to his fingers and practise regularly.

The exercise, he explained, helped strengthen his fingers and improve his speed on the guitar.

Akablay also lamented what he described as a growing tendency among young musicians to focus more on money than mastering their craft.

"They are chasing the money, forgetting that it is the work that will bring the money," he said.

To illustrate his point, he narrated an incident involving some musicians he hired for a funeral performance. Rather than asking about the nature of the assignment, he said they were only interested in how much they would be paid.

"They didn't ask about the work. They asked about the money, and I gave them the money. Later they complained, but I gave you what you requested for," he recounted.

Akablay urged young artistes to prioritise learning, discipline and skill development, arguing that excellence in their craft would eventually translate into financial success.

"The work will bring the money," he stressed.