Alex Konadu

Alex Konadu
Origin	Ashanti Region, Ghana
Genres	Highlife

Alex Konadu (1948 – 18 January 2011) was a Ghanaian guitarist who was known for his contribution to the Highlife tradition. Konadu sang in the Asante language Twi. He was nicknamed "One Man Thousand" for his ability to draw crowds wherever he appeared, and it is rumored that he performed in every single town and village in Ghana.^[1] Konadu's song "Asaase Asa," from the 1976 album by the same name, details a tragedy that befalls a man, killing his wife and sister. The song is dedicated to all those that have lost loved ones, and consequently, it is a "must-play at any Ghanaian funerary".^[2]

Biography

Konadu was born in Adwumakase Kese in the Kwabere No. 3 District of Ashanti in 1948. He was part of the Kantamanto Bosco Group, the Kwabena Akwaboah and then the Happy Brothers Band before he became a solo artist. After watching him rehearse, record producer A. K. Brobbey signed him and organized a band that focused on uptempo Highlife guitar music.^[3]

Konadu died in Kumasi on 18 January 2011 at the age of 63.

Discography

Albums^[4]

1977	Abokyi Released: 1977 Label: BHM (Brobisco House of Music)
1977	Awoo Ne Awo Released: 1977 Label: BHM (Brobisco House of Music)
1988	One Man Thousand Live in London Released: 1988 Label: World Circuit
Unknown	God's Time is the Best Label: BHM (Brobisco House of Music)
Unknown	The Best of Alex Konadu Vol. 2 Label: System 77 Productions

Contributing artist

• The Rough Guide to Highlife (2003, World Music Network)

References

1. "Remembering the Man Behind the Highlife Hit Song, Asaase Asa; Alex Konadu Goes Home".
2. "Remembering the Man Behind the Highlife Hit Song, Asaase Asa; Alex Konadu Goes Home".
3. "Remembering the Man Behind the Highlife Hit Song, Asaase Asa; Alex Konadu Goes Home".
4. "Discogs: Alex Konadu".