Ephraim Amu

Ephraim Amu (1899-1995) was an internationally renowned musician, musicologist, instrument maker, teacher, philosopher, theologian, committed Christian and preacher.

Affectionately called Tata Amu, he composed over 200 works in Eʋe, Twi, Ga and a few early English songs with inspiring lyrics that evince an abiding love for Ghana. His choral works are thought provoking and patriotic, bringing inspiration to generations of Ghanaians. His song Yɛn ara asase ni (This is our own land) continues to inspire a love and respect for the country, and has become a national song played at ceremonial functions. It was also used by GTV for several years as its “end of day” signature signing off until the start of 24 hour transmission. In one of his appraisals, Prof. J.H. Kwabena Nketia (Amu’s chosen ‘godson’ and the scholar easily considered Africa’s premier musicologist during his lifetime) stated; “there is no single individual who has influenced the course of development of art music in contemporary Ghana as much as Dr. Amu.”

Amu pioneered and encouraged the ‘Africanization’ of the church by composing songs rich with African musical features – something the mission hymns lacked. Apart from his musical accomplishments, Amu tried to arouse in the African, consciousness and pride. He believed in igniting the African identity—African ethical, social and political values.

Early Life and Education

Ephraim Amu was born in Avetile-Peki in the Volta Region of Ghana on September 13, 1899 and died there January 2, 1995. After attending primary and senior schools at Avetile and Blengo respectively, Amu gained admission to the Basel Mission Seminary at Kwahu Abetifi in 1916. He completed his studies in 1919 as a trained Teacher-Catechist.

Amu’s very first music tutor, during his youth, was Mr. Carl Ntem. Later studies were directed by the Rev. J.E Allotey-Pappoe in Amu’s early 20’s during his tenure as music tutor at the Peki-Blengo Senior High School. In 1937, while working at the Achimota College, Amu traveled to London and continued his composition and music theory studies at the Royal College of Music. Work Experience

Peki-Blengo

Ephraim Amu taught at Blengo-Peki Senior High School from 1920 to 1925. The subjects he taught included Music, Agriculture, and Needlework to the girls (thinking about the future of the girls). Amu travelled all the way to Koforidua to purchase a harmonium for their music lessons. On his return, he had to carry this on his head for the rest of the journey from Frankadua to Peki, a distance of about 10 miles.

Akropong

Amu was promoted to the Scottish Mission Seminary at Akropong in 1926. He taught many subjects including, Music, Agriculture, Nature Study and Ewe. It was here that Amu learned Twi proverbs and their meanings from two sons of then Chief Nana Kwasi Akuffo. They taught him drumming and Akuapem traditional culture. Noting its value, Amu introduced drumming into the institution to the utmost chagrin of the authorities. He also composed works for traditional flutes, the Atεntεbεn and Odurugya which he then taught his students, as well as many songs for both male and mixed-voice chorus. It was during this period that Amu published his Twenty-five African Songs (1932).

Amu’s introduction of these cultural activities into this mission institution was unacceptable to the authorities. Coupled with the cultural activities that Amu was involved in, he wore the traditional kente to mount the pulpit, and this broke the camel’s back. The event triggered Amu’s dismissal from Akropong in 1933. It is worthy of note that the kente that caused the displeasure of the Clergy at that time is now made in strips and worn by Reverend Ministers of the Gospel throughout the country and abroad. Further, Ghanaian Presidents from the time of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah (1957) to this day, have worn kente in one way or another as they are sworn in to take up office, and Ghanaian Ambassadors are regularly seen beautifully clad in kente when presenting their letters of credence.

Achimota

In 1934, Achimota College offered Amu a teaching appointment that allowed him to teach his proud revolutionary and culturally oriented programs. He taught Eʋe, Twi, African Music and drumming in the Lower Primary division of the school. Amu engaged in deeper exploration in the construction of the Atεntεbεn and Odurugya during this time. The instruments evolved as he expanded the range capacities of the instruments, developed a new mouthpiece for the Odurugya, and created the Odurugyaba, the tenor member of the flute ensemble.

Amu traveled to London for music studies at the Royal College of Music in 1937, and upon his return in 1941 Achimota College had been reformed and the Primary division closed down. Amu was thus attached to the Training College. He was assigned to establish a three-year specialist Music course to train Ghanaian teachers who would teach music in Training Colleges, Secondary and Middle Schools, Church Choirs and Singing Bands. The Music School was opened in 1949. Amu continued to teach the very cultural activities for which he was fired at Akropong.

Kumasi and back to Legon

When Kumasi College of Technology, now Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, was established in 1951, the Training College and Music School were moved from Achimota to Kumasi and Amu relocated. He worked here until 1960. He had planned to retire, yet was called back to service at the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana, (1962 to 1971). In addition to teaching, he was also engaged in research as a Senior Research Fellow dedicating much of his time to the construction and evolution of the Atεntεbεn, Odurugya and Odyurugyaba. It was during this period that Amu took his students to New York to sing at an international choral festival. The standing ovation mid-concert did not prohibit them from finishing their performance.

Retirement

Amu finally settled home in Peki and spent the rest of his time farming and building up his Nεnyo Choir which he set up in the early 1960s. He did continue to compose though not nearly as prolifically as earlier in his career. His final composition dates from 1986, nine years prior to his passing in 1995. Amu was given a state funeral, and was laid to rest on the family compound in Peki, as was his wife Beatrice, with him.

Key Achievements

• 1932: Twenty-five African Songs is published – Sheldon Press, London
• 1960’s: Amu’s work re: instrument construction of the Atεntεbεn, Odurugya and Odyurugyaba results in innovative developments that prove to have lasting effects on the viability of the instruments in Ghanaian music and education
• 1961: Three Solo Songs with Piano Accompaniment is published – Presbyterian Book Depot, Accra
• 1965: University of Ghana awards Amu an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Music
• 1969: Amu and the University of Ghana Chorus participate in the Second International Choral Festival at Lincoln Center, NY, receiving a standing ovation
• 1972: Amu receives the Grand Medal of the Republic of Ghana
• 1973: The State awards Amu membership in the Order of the Volta
• 1976: The University of Science and Technology confers on Amu an Honorary Doctorate Degree
• 1977: The first recording of Amu’s works, Dwenesie Sings Amu (DSA 6001), is released, directed by Mrs. Dinah Reindorf
• 1979: Amu is awarded UNESCO Music Prize, at a ceremony in Bratislava
• 1993: Amu Choral Works, Volume 1 is published – Waterville Press, London
• 1995: A Tugboat is named Ephraim Amu by Ghana Ports and Highways Authority
• 1998: The International Centre for African Music and Dance under the auspices of Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences, institutes the Ephraim Amu Memorial Lectures that continue to be held yearly
• 2002-2007: Amu’s portrait is embossed on the Twenty Thousand Ghana Cedi note, the highest denomination at the time, by the government of Ghana [Pic 12: Amu on the money]