Jazz Bar honors Jon K.A on July 20

Commemorating the legacy of Ghanaian music producer, keyboardist, singer-songwriter, and recording artist John Asante Opoku, widely known as Jon K. A, a concert will be held at the +233 Jazz Bar & Grill in Accra on July 20, 2024.

Jon K. A was a visionary and open-minded individual whose own creations and collaborations enriched popular music in Ghana and beyond during the late 1980s and 1990s.

He released three albums under his name: ‘Adowa’ (1987), ‘Asaboni’ (1989) and ‘Gidigidi’ (1993). Jon K also produced albums for other acts such as Ben Brako, Frank Bafy, Thomas Frimpong, Mr Cee, Nana Bugyei, Western Diamonds, Paddy Hayes, Peejay Scott and more.

Jon K, an alumnus of Adisadel College in Cape Coast, emerged as a pivotal figure in Ghanaian music. He began his career in the late 1970s as the keyboardist for trumpeter Eddie Quansah’s Tabu band, renowned for its innovative blend of African Jazz.

Jon K’s broad musical vision and contributions enriched the Ghanaian music scene throughout the late 1980s and 1990s. Tragically, he passed away on July 19, 1999, in a London hospital after collapsing while producing singer Nana Yaa’s debut album.

A memorial concert on July 20, 2024, at +233 Jazz Bar & Grill in Accra will feature performances by Bessa Simons and the Bessa Band, Pozo Hayes, Joe Osei, Okyeame Kwame, Pauline Oduro, and Amandzeba, honoring his enduring musical legacy.

After moving to London, Jon K worked mostly from Sultan Sound Studio at Kilburn with his Kenyan-born British producer friend Dave Yowell. His debut album, ‘Adowa’ came out in 1987 and projected him as a well-grounded musician who had brought a brilliant fusion of African rhythms and Western electronic melodies to the London music soundscape.

What many found intriguing about the ‘Adowa’ album was the fine tribute Jon K paid to the Highlife heritage by embracing compositions from three of the genre’s early advocates: Kobina Okai (Akwankwaa Hiani), Dokyi Apenteng (Wofa Nono) and Stan Plange (Eno Brebre).

Ghanaian writer, filmmaker, and creative entrepreneur, Dr Kwesi Owusu who knew Jon K way back at Adisadel College, described ‘Adowa’ as: “Hi-tech Highlife fusing traditional rhythms and Soul music facilitated by Jon K’s mastery of studio technology and his quest for a new sound.”

Bessa Simons, president of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), who worked alongside Jon K on some projects in London, said the man was worth celebrating for his unmistakable style that set standards that were warmly embraced and are still cherished.

“He constantly drew on his exceptional skills that helped extend the creative abilities of the artistes he produced in the studio. He totally understood the music production process and worked out ways to enhance what he did for himself and for others.”

The concert on July 20 is jointly organized by +233 Jazz Bar & Grill in partnership with Jon K’s family and MUSIGA, honoring his musical legacy.

Source: Joy News