King Ayisoba

King Ayisoba says that he won the Most Popular Song of the Year ultimate award at last Saturday’s Golden Jubilee Ghana Music Awards because he plays music for his people - the ordinary Ghanaian.

“My music has been simple and easy for everyone, no matter their ages, status or location in the country, to identify with and sing along”, he said.

He told Graphic Showbiz last Monday he was very glad there is a public voting segment to the selection of winners in certain categories at the Ghana Music Awards (GMA). He knows the masses love "I Want To See My Father" and have played it over and over again in bars, restaurants, public transport, at weddings and even at funerals across the country.

“The public voting aspect of the awards me gave me confidence that I could win the top award. I know there is always controversy over the Most Popular Song award but if you look carefully at things, there should be no debate at all that I Want To See My Father won.

“It was by far the favourite of children and adults everywhere in this country. If you go to a household and the father does not like "I Want To See My Father", the children and the grandparents like it. If you go to another house, everyone likes it and can even sing it from start to end.”

Ayisoba’s assertion was confirmed by his producer, Panji Anoff. “I’ve always felt that if you give Ghanaians the chance to choose between a well-made local piece and a foreign song, they will go for the local product, especially if it is rendered with a lot of passion and emotion. If that song also carries a sensible message, the people embrace it hundred percent. "I Want To See My Father" is such a song.”

Many patrons at the Coconut Grove Regency Hotel in Accra on March 29 probably did not notice that there was considerable stirring in the audience only when King Ayisoba was mentioned as nominees were introduced at the launch of this year’s Ghana Music Awards (GMA).

That endorsement and fondness for the fiddler from Bolgatanga might have translated into votes and well-wishes later as Ayisoba upstaged the supposed top contenders and ran off with the top prize in addition to the New Discovery and Traditional Song of the Year awards.

I Want To See My Father features only Ayisoba singing in his own style of English and strumming away at his one-string kologo traditional instrument.

It is from the 12-track Modern Ghanaians album which features artistes like Batman Samini, Kwabena Kwabena, Sidney, Kweku T and Kontihene. Though they all bring their different flavours to the project, their contributions don’t detract from Ayisoba’s unique image and touch.

“There are other songs on the album which involve more arrangements and instrumentation but it is important for people to identify Ayisoba in his simplest and most direct form. Some people claim he is too local and cannot go all the way but the GMA awards indicate that it has not been a waste of time packaging himself as a Ghanaian proud of what and who he is. It is obvious he does not have to wear a suit to be liked by the people,” says Anoff.

Interestingly, most of the calls from radio stations requesting interviews soon after he was announced winner of the Most Popular Song Award were from the Ashanti Region. Though promotion of "I Want To See My Father" started in the northern regions, it went extremely well in the Ashanti and Volta Regions before touching down eventually in Greater Accra.

The award is obviously a big encouragement for Ayisoba. It gets his name into more places and will hopefully open some doors abroad. His material had already been heavily pirated and is easily available in the sub-region.

Though piracy is not a desirable means to get a foothold in other markets, Ayisoba says he will build on the fact that he is recognizable outsde of Ghana and work harder in the coming years.

“Winning the top prize at the GMA is important because it is good if your own people see and appreciate your worth. I thank all Ghanaians for the honour. I want to go far.The fact that people know me in Togo, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote D’Ivoire, Nigeria, Mali and other places means I cannot relax my efforts now. Future songs would be greater than what I’m known for now.”

It is likely Pidgen Music, the production company behind Ayisoba, will now promote some of the other songs on the Modern Ghanaians album before turning full attention to his second album, work on which has already started.

“I Want To See My Father is just a small representation of what Ayisoba can do. Everything planned for, worked for and hoped for have come to pass,” according to Anoff. “The music has been embraced far and wide but there is still some way to go with the first album and there is also so much more about Ayisoba people are yet to discover.”

Ayisoba may represent Ghana at the next Kora African Music Awards in South Africa if it comes off this year. That’s a big international forum monitored by millions of people around the world. Participating acts often go the extra mile to impress audiences.

Anoff says it is too early now to talk about what Ayisoba will exhibit in South Africa and that logistics, finances and other considerations would determine the approach they adopt to the continental music awards programme.

Reports indicate that there was jubilation in Bolgatanga in solidarity with Ayisoba for his exploits at the last GMA. He hopes to be there next week to share his joy with his family, fans and friends.

Some of them may remember the boy who always had his kologo with him whenever he took the family sheep and cattle out to graze. His father, especially, may recollect the days when the very young Ayisoba often cried to be allowed to play with his grandfather’s kologo which hung on a wall at home.

“My grandfather was a great player of the instrument but my father never played. He was forced to make a miniature one for me because I always wanted to play with what hung on the wall. I was playing in public places by the time I was six,” Ayisoba said.

A useful musical collaboration started between him and the late Terry Bonchaka when they were introduced to each other by a common friend in Accra. Bonchaka’s death was a big setback to him but linking up later with recording engineer and music producer, Anoff, turned his fortunes around.

“Ayisoba has a long career ahead of him. Everything will happen slowly but surely. What is important if you are building a career is that you must avoid falling sideways or backwards,” Anoff said with a positive wink in his eyes.

“Some people may still not accept Ayisoba for what he is until he probably wins a Grammy but there is time for everything. We only need to keep working hard and consistently and we will achieve results.”

Ayisoba will definitely be accepted as he is when he sets foot in Bolgatanga next week. He will probably be carried shoulder-high again as happened when he was declared winner of the Most Popular Song of the Year award last Saturday.



Source: Graphic Showbiz
- Ghana Base Music

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King Ayisoba in concert at alliance française
Location: Ghana. Source: Daily Guide Ghana. Posted on Wed, 26th May 2010.

Comtemporary music maestro King Ayisoba and Gouda Music, the sensational neo traditional music group, will on Saturday May 29, mount the stage at Alliance Française as part of the 2010 edition of Bless the Mic Festival.

Ayisoba, who took the country by storm a couple of years ago, is set to showcase a number of fresh compositions that have influences from his recent tours of Europe and other African countries.

Other musicians slated for the event include highlife musician Nana Fynn, R & B singer Chase, Afro Soul diva Efya and reggae musicians Fiifi Selah, Chucks and Ras Fawzi, who will delight music lovers with various genres of music.

Master drummer, Yaw Kontoh, will perform alongside several female fontonfrom drummers who have in recent months surprised cheering audiences in Accra and beyond.

An exhibition of paintings by young talent Jahwi Kwabena Danso, as well as beads and designs by the Indonesian bead maker Uchi, will also form part of activities marking the day.

Works by Jahwi is a reminder of moments that one easily forgets. It equally prompts the world at large to strive to leave a heritage of peace and love, while forcefully, yet symbolically, drawing attention to the myriad of problems that confront humanity day by day.

Uchi's beads are colourful and come in all sizes and shapes. She sometimes adorns her clothes with the beads she designs. Her bangles, ear rings and other designs equally abound with colour.

A number of poets, including D.K. Osei, and Crystal Tetteh, will entertain poetry fans with pieces from their rich repertoire which encompass issues relating to the environment, culture, history, philosophy, governance, media, technology and many others.

The audience will be entertained with Capoeira, Ghanaian traditional drumming and dancing, acrobatic displays and other events before the main shows take off. A massage parlour will also be available to take care of the needs of visitors. The programme is being sponsored by the Alliance Française, French Embassy, Ghana Cultural Fund, Pidgin Music, Maksi and Dust Magazine. - Africa Speaks

The Ghanaian music scene was dominated by musicians singing in Twi until the emergence of people like Nat Brew, King David, Buk Bak and Tinny who perform in Ga. Groups from southern Ghana have enjoyed the most radio airplay and even matched their northern counterparts boot for boot in Tamale, Bolgatanga and Wa. It's about time, we had musicians from the north headlining the acts for major events in Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi. It seems that is just about to happen.

For a longtime, musicians from northern Ghana made it through reggae and not other genres. Rocky Dawuni is one of Ghana's biggest musicians, scoring hits like 'In Ghana' and performing to thousands of people during Independence day celebrations. He had a pretty good video too. Sheriff Ghale has been reggae's torchbearer and some of his tracks are Election Time and Sochira. They are just a number of other reggae musicians with northern names.

Atongo Zimba has gained a lot of international recognition but is not as popular within Ghana. He plays the koliko, a musical instrument. He is one of the few new Ghanaian musicians on Calabash music with a presence on the web. His song, 'In heaven, there's no beer' made it to the Ghana Music awards. The song has some funny lyrics and the same people who listen to Otoolege, Konkontibaa and Rakia are listening to it. His Savannah Breeze has already reached Accra and beyond.

Atongo may have been outstaged by King Ayisoba, whose 'I want to see you my father' has risen to the top of the charts in Ghana and has kids singing along. Ayisoba was discovered by Terry Bonchaka but only came out with Pidgen Music's (Panji Anoff) help. His album is even called Modern Ghanaians, maybe he is signalling change and saying his style of music is the next chapter. Atongo and Ayisoba's styles are not really hiplife, or highlife - they are more like Afrobeat or Afropop - and are instrument heavy. Hey, live band music is back. And that Modern Ghanaians track is fire, and a must listen.

I believe Hiplife from northern Ghana would follow suit. VIP, Kwaadee and Batman have had their Hausa and Dagbani songs, but I expect to see hits in the near future. When would VIP give us another 'Zumo wasa', or did that taste go away with Friction? Kawastone (who had a (Fe m'ano hit back in the day), MC Rauf, BFG, Abada, KKC are some of the artistes to watch out for.

I don't understand Hausa or Dagbani, but I feel music in those languages should be prominent as well. King Ayisoba is starting his rule, but would this last or is it a teaser?

PS: Lamisi Mbillah, a Bawku native and Miss Ghana 2005, made the nation proud by winning the beauty with a purpose award at Miss World for her work on guinea worm in Ghana. It almost brought tears to my eyes to hear her praised on Joy FM's Super Morning Show and chat with callers in her native language (she hails from the Upper East region). So, it's not just music.
Oh, and she was inspired by Big Dreams by Wutah (the Hausa word for fire) to write her poem, 'Dreams'. Aww.... SmileSmile
Watch a live performance from King Ayisoba - Museke

Serena Owusua Dankwa joins in the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Ghanaian independence with specially-recorded performances from some of the country’s star musicians, including palm-wine songs from veteran guitarist Koo Nimo, and a beach-party performance from electric griot King Ayisoba.

Recorded entirely on location in Ghana, March 2007. - BBC Radio

WHEN he was born in June 1975 at Bongo SOE near Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region, little was it known that he will be a musician.

Three clear years after birth, little King Ayisoba could still not walk.

His father, Apoore Abaadongo now aged 110 years and his mother, Azumapoka also 91 year got worried at the time and tried all means including the use of traditional medicine to get him walk, but all failed.

Destined to be a musician, the father met a soothsayer at the Market on a Soe Market day and was told his son was born a fetish priest with special powers.

Apoore (his father) was also asked by the soothsayer to stop sending him from place to place for treatment and instead, give little Ayisoba a "Kologo" native guitar and all will be well.

Shortly after Apoore provided his son Ayisoba with a ‘Kologo’ he started walking and playing with it.

At that tender age, it is told, that what- ever sound came from the Kologo, moved one of Ayisoba’s uncles who is a fetish priest into performing wonders.

No wonder at that young age his music was considered to be music therapy and that it healed that sickness.

As he groing up, Apozora Ayisoba as he was named after birth did so well on the Kolongo that he was allowed to perform at gathering, including funerals and outdooring in and out of Bongo Soe. His father sent him to school, but he stopped, because his mind was more on his Kologo.

King Ayisoba told The Spectator in an interview when he visited the spectator newsroom, that he finally left Bongo Soe to Techiman Nyampenase in the Brong Ahafo Region to do farming but left there after one year for Accra.

He said when he got to Accra he was first employed as a security man at Dome Hotel, Kokomlemle.

While on guard duties, his Kologo was always with him.

As luck had it, Daryl T.T. who had been observing him anytime he was playing the Kologo while on duty, one day gave him money and handed him to the late hiplife musician, Terry Bonchaka.

Ayisoba had to stop his job as a security man, to enable him to perform with Terry Bonchaka on stage.

He said while with Terry Bonchaka, he wrote or composed songs and played the Kologo music while Terry did the raps.

He said he also taught Terry to sing songs in the Frafra language.

After Terry Bonchaka’s sad death in 2003 he featured 'Mama Africa' with Krontihene.

He finally came out with his maiden album modern – Ghana which contains the popular hitting song "I want to see you my father.

Other songs on the track include Poka lebusala (woman is snake) Fame Sika Ma, my friend and my friend.

King Ayisoba hopes to come out with his next album in 2007 "I plan to enter the international market. I am however looking for somebody who can help me achieve my dreams of promoting Ghanaian cultural music abroad and raise Ghana’s flag high."

Ayisoba who visited the newsroom with his cousin Nsoh Rapsor (a state dancer) and his personal manager Reagan Mends, is married with a four year old son and expecting a second child in a few months time - Ghana Base Music

King Ayisoba

When he was born in June 1975 at Bongo SOE near Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region, little was it known that he will be a musician.

Three clear years after birth, little King Ayisoba could still not walk. His father, Apoore Abaadongo now aged 110 years and his mother, Azumapoka also 91 year got worried at the time and tried all means including the use of traditional medicine to get him walk, but all failed.

Destined to be a musician, the father met a soothsayer at the Market on a Soe Market day and was told his son was born a fetish priest with special powers. Apoore (his father) was also asked by the soothsayer to stop sending him from place to place for treatment and instead, give little Ayisoba a “Kologo” native guitar and all will be well. Shortly after Apoore provided his son Ayisoba with a ‘Kologo’ he started walking and playing with it. At that tender age, it is told, that what- ever sound came from the Kologo, moved one of Ayisoba’s uncles who is a fetish priest into performing wonders.

No wonder at that young age his music was considered to be music therapy and that it healed that sickness. Growing up, Apozora Ayisoba as he was named after birth did so well on the Kolongo that he was allowed to perform at gatherings, including funerals and outdoorings in and out of Bongo Soe. His father sent him to school, but he stopped, because his mind was more on his Kologo.

King Ayisoba told The Spectator in an interview when he visited the spectator newsroom, that he finally left Bongo Soe to Techiman Nyampenase in the Brong Ahafo Region to do farming but left there after one year to Accra. He said when he got to Accra he was first employed as a security man at Dome Hotel, Kokomlemle. While on guard duties, his Kologo was always with him.

As luck had it, Daryl T.T. who had been observing him anytime he was playing the Kologo while on duty, one day gave him money and handed him to the late hiplife musician, Terry Bonchaka. Ayisoba had to stop his job as a security man, to enable him to perform with Terry Bonchaka on stage. He said while with Terry Bonchaka, he wrote or composed songs and played the Kologo music while Terry did the raps. He said he also taught Terry to sing songs in the Frafra language. After Terry Bonchaka’s sad death in 2003 he featured ‘Mama Africa’ with Krontihene. He finally came out with his maiden album modern – Ghana which contains the popular hitting song “I want to see you my father”.

Other songs on the album include Poka lebusala (woman is snake) Fame Sika Ma, My friend and My friend. King Ayisoba was hoping to reasle his second album in 2007 “I plan to enter the international market. I am however looking for somebody who can help me achieve my dreams of promoting Ghanaian cultural music abroad and raise Ghana’s flag high.”Ayisoba who visited the newsroom with his cousin Nsoh Rapsor (a state dancer) and his personal manager Reagan Mends, is married with two children. - Ghana Celebrities

After being crowned King at the 2006 Ghana Music Awards where he annexed three awards, King Ayisoba says he is now ready to take the world by storm.

King Ayisoba slugged it out with other music heavyweights such as Ofori Amponsah, Obrafuor, Samini, Praye, Wutah, Lord Kenya and Kweku Gyasi to win the ‘most popular song of the year’ with his hit song ‘I want to see you my father’.

The song was also declared the Traditional Song of the Year while he himself emerged the Discovery of the Year. The Kologo instrumentalist who hails from the northern part of Ghana now says he is ready to take the world and for that matter the Grammy’s by storm.

Brimming with confidence, the affable musician who has already immortalized himself into the hearts of thousands of Ghanaians said “I think the time is right for me to hit BBC, CNN and the international market because the kind of music I do is very unique”

According to him Kologo is a purely spiritual music so it’s very different and it’s taken quite a bit for people to appreciate it on that level because I struggled to get it noticed for a very long time,” he says. “Kologo music is very similar to reggae. The styles and syllabus of both genres are very similar.

Why won’t you concentrate on the local scene for a while but have decided to zoom into the international arena? King Ayisoba has this to say: “I plan to enter the international market because Kologo tunes are redefining Ghanaian music. However those taking too long to catch it on, I’m sorry to tell them “it’s too late.” I’m now ready to take Ghanaian cultural music abroad and raise Ghana’s flag high.

Born June 1975 at Bongo SOE near Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region, King Ayisoba said he believes this year Ghana Music Awards will be very competitive, although he will not be among the strong contenders for this year.

According to him Ghanaians should watch out for a surprise package. King Ayisoba says he has released his new album and come 2008 Ghana Music Awards, he says “only God can tell, it would be a reminiscence of 2006.


Source: Weekly Fylla
- Weekly Fylla

King Ayisoba says that he won the Most Popular Song of the Year ultimate award at last Saturday's Golden Jubilee Ghana Music Awards because he plays music for his people - the ordinary Ghanaian.

“My music has been simple and easy for everyone, no matter their ages, status or location in the country, to identify with and sing along”, he said.

He told Graphic Showbiz last Monday he was very glad there is a public voting segment to the selection of winners in certain categories at the Ghana Music Awards (GMA). He knows the masses love "I Want To See My Father" and have played it over and over again in bars, restaurants, public transport, at weddings and even at funerals across the country.

“The public voting aspect of the awards me gave me confidence that I could win the top award. I know there is always controversy over the Most Popular Song award but if you look carefully at things, there should be no debate at all that I Want To See My Father won.

“It was by far the favourite of children and adults everywhere in this country. If you go to a household and the father does not like "I Want To See My Father", the children and the grandparents like it. If you go to another house, everyone likes it and can even sing it from start to end.”

Ayisoba's assertion was confirmed by his producer, Panji Anoff. “I've always felt that if you give Ghanaians the chance to choose between a well-made local piece and a foreign song, they will go for the local product, especially if it is rendered with a lot of passion and emotion. If that song also carries a sensible message, the people embrace it hundred percent. "I Want To See My Father" is such a song.”

Many patrons at the Coconut Grove Regency Hotel in Accra on March 29 probably did not notice that there was considerable stirring in the audience only when King Ayisoba was mentioned as nominees were introduced at the launch of this year's Ghana Music Awards (GMA).

That endorsement and fondness for the fiddler from Bolgatanga might have translated into votes and well-wishes later as Ayisoba upstaged the supposed top contenders and ran off with the top prize in addition to the New Discovery and Traditional Song of the Year awards.

I Want To See My Father features only Ayisoba singing in his own style of English and strumming away at his one-string kologo traditional instrument.

It is from the 12-track Modern Ghanaians album which features artistes like Batman Samini, Kwabena Kwabena, Sidney, Kweku T and Kontihene. Though they all bring their different flavours to the project, their contributions don't detract from Ayisoba's unique image and touch.

“There are other songs on the album which involve more arrangements and instrumentation but it is important for people to identify Ayisoba in his simplest and most direct form. Some people claim he is too local and cannot go all the way but the GMA awards indicate that it has not been a waste of time packaging himself as a Ghanaian proud of what and who he is. It is obvious he does not have to wear a suit to be liked by the people,” says Anoff.

Interestingly, most of the calls from radio stations requesting interviews soon after he was announced winner of the Most Popular Song Award were from the Ashanti Region. Though promotion of "I Want To See My Father" started in the northern regions, it went extremely well in the Ashanti and Volta Regions before touching down eventually in Greater Accra.

The award is obviously a big encouragement for Ayisoba. It gets his name into more places and will hopefully open some doors abroad. His material had already been heavily pirated and is easily available in the sub-region.

Though piracy is not a desirable means to get a foothold in other markets, Ayisoba says he will build on the fact that he is recognizable outsde of Ghana and work harder in the coming years.

“Winning the top prize at the GMA is important because it is good if your own people see and appreciate your worth. I thank all Ghanaians for the honour. I want to go far.The fact that people know me in Togo, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote D'Ivoire, Nigeria, Mali and other places means I cannot relax my efforts now. Future songs would be greater than what I'm known for now.”

It is likely Pidgen Music, the production company behind Ayisoba, will now promote some of the other songs on the Modern Ghanaians album before turning full attention to his second album, work on which has already started.

“I Want To See My Father is just a small representation of what Ayisoba can do. Everything planned for, worked for and hoped for have come to pass,” according to Anoff. “The music has been embraced far and wide but there is still some way to go with the first album and there is also so much more about Ayisoba people are yet to discover.”

Ayisoba may represent Ghana at the next Kora African Music Awards in South Africa if it comes off this year. That's a big international forum monitored by millions of people around the world. Participating acts often go the extra mile to impress audiences.

Anoff says it is too early now to talk about what Ayisoba will exhibit in South Africa and that logistics, finances and other considerations would determine the approach they adopt to the continental music awards programme.

Reports indicate that there was jubilation in Bolgatanga in solidarity with Ayisoba for his exploits at the last GMA. He hopes to be there next week to share his joy with his family, fans and friends.

Some of them may remember the boy who always had his kologo with him whenever he took the family sheep and cattle out to graze. His father, especially, may recollect the days when the very young Ayisoba often cried to be allowed to play with his grandfather's kologo which hung on a wall at home.

“My grandfather was a great player of the instrument but my father never played. He was forced to make a miniature one for me because I always wanted to play with what hung on the wall. I was playing in public places by the time I was six,” Ayisoba said.

A useful musical collaboration started between him and the late Terry Bonchaka when they were introduced to each other by a common friend in Accra. Bonchaka's death was a big setback to him but linking up later with recording engineer and music producer, Anoff, turned his fortunes around.

“Ayisoba has a long career ahead of him. Everything will happen slowly but surely. What is important if you are building a career is that you must avoid falling sideways or backwards,” Anoff said with a positive wink in his eyes.

“Some people may still not accept Ayisoba for what he is until he probably wins a Grammy but there is time for everything. We only need to keep working hard and consistently and we will achieve results.”

Ayisoba will definitely be accepted as he is when he sets foot in Bolgatanga next week. He will probably be carried shoulder-high again as happened when he was declared winner of the Most Popular Song of the Year award last Saturday.

Story by Nii Laryea Korley



- Modern Ghana

King Ayisoba's sensational album
Saturday, 28 Apr 2007

‘I want to see my father’ may be King Ayisoba’s most known song from his Modern Ghanaians album but there are other songs that deserve attention. After listening to King Ayisoba’s album, one will be convinced of the international potential inherent in his style of music. With songs like champion, modern Ghanaians, fame sika mame, I want to see my father and obia ani begye, the album will find itself prancing in other circles of the music arena other than Ghana.

Champion is a song with typical Pidgen music sound underlined by King Ayisoba’s Kologo instrument. The Kologo is the inimitable element in King Ayisoba. All around the globe, no known musician is known with the traditional instrument (Kologo) that gives his songs an indescribable touch. Champion features Batman Samini and carries the message that to be a champion one must work hard. ‘Champion no easy you for make training hard’, King says.

Just imagine him in his Fugu singing modern Ghanaians alongside Kontihene and Kweku T. Modern Ghanaians has a thumbing base line that can excite the dance in anyone. ‘We are modern Ghanaians, my name is Ayisoba from Bolgatanga City’ says King Ayisoba. It’s a song that can pass for an Ayisoba introduction. Kweku T’s rap version in the song is something else, of course what else is there to expect from the warrior: check check, kelewele where dey the chop bar, this is the present, the future and I call it my own, black Gold Coast West Africa my home.

In fame sika mame King Ayisoba touches on another controversy in society. He says give him back his money and stop the long talk cos you owe him. The song features the controversial Hiplife artist, Sidney. A good song for you if you’ve lent someone money and are finding it difficult to get it back after a long period of time. Play this song when you get to the person’s house and you’re sure to get your money back.

My friend don’t forget me is a tune that reminds most of us of his stint with the late great Terry Bonchaka. The song was originally written by King Ayisoba and we got to hear a lot if it during his movement with Terry Bonchaka on stage. My friend don’t forget me is a song to reminding us not to forget our good friends, especially those who help us along the way. The house version on the album kicks with a boogie flavour. ‘My friend, my friend don’t forget me, my dog, my dog don’t come and bite me says’, King in the song.

May be the best thing to do will be to go get the full album and check it out yourself. I want to see my father is a song that needs no introduction; again, King Ayisoba is advising fathers to be responsible and stop spending all their monies on girlfriends. It’s a cry of a son who wants to see his father. The chart-busting song has a lot of meat in its lyrics that only those who have ears to hear can eat. Indeed, King Ayisoba is not the next big thing; he is actually the big thing.




SOURCE: SHOWGHANA.COM
- Show Ghana

News of record labels and musicians being hit by pirates making illegal sale of their works is very irritating and alarming off late.

Millions of cedis are potentially at stake, and the pirates are not happy to have their cash flow cut off so now they have coined a new way of pirating. Now they have a different picture (s) of the artiste on the audiocassette or CD and different inscription on the inlay of the cassette or CD.

This was the case when a fan of King Ayisoba wanted a copy of his album and noticed their new ways.

Panji said, "The good Samaritan who reported the matter to the police said he heard of King Ayisoba's latest song, 'I Want To See My Father' being played but he noticed that the cassette being offered him did not bear the image of him but rather a different artiste".

On the 1st of July, 2006, over three hundred copies of King Ayisoba's illegally dubbed songs onto cassettes and being sold at the Sunyani lorry station at the end of the Kumasi race course were confiscated by a team of police officers who had been tipped off by the members of the public.

Although the culprits had managed to flee by the time the officers arrived on the scene, the police officers headed by Sgt. Ansah are determined to arrest the pirates and bring them to justice.

Panji Anoff, CEO of Pidgen Music, King Ayisoba's record label said, "The success of any album has its downsides".

"To me personally piracy is not a big issue. If the right laws are implemented that people need to appreciate someone's music. Radio stations don't value artistes and there are so many flaws in GAMUGRAM".

King Ayisoba's, 'Modern Ghanaians' is the fastest selling cassette by an artiste from the Northern part of Ghana. The albums popularity started in Bolgatanga where the artiste is from, but has spread through the other regions like harmattann bushfire. Singing in English, Twi, Frafra, King Ayisoba's struck a chord with the Ghanaian audience and has embraced his 2-string traditional guitar (Kolgo) with great passion.

By Nii Atakora Mensah, Ghana Music.com - Modern Ghana

http://www.modernghana.com/music/3266/3/pirates-milking-king-ayisoba.html
http://www.showghana.com/detailss.cfm?theTextID=23&list1=7&row1=999&list2=5,4,6,8,9&row2=1
http://www.modernghana.com/news/135582/1/ayisoba-why-im-king.html
http://www.ghanabase.com/news/2008/2097.asp?artistnews=kingayisoba
http://www.ghanacelebrities.com/2010/03/king-ayisoba/
http://music.thinkghana.com/artist/kingayisoba/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p005xhqw
http://www.museke.com/en/node/854
http://www.ghanabase.com/kingayisoba/
http://showbiz.peacefmonline.com/music/artist/king_ayisoba/
http://gisnap.com/news/biography-king-ayisoba/
http://www.ghanabusinessnews.com/2010/03/02/highlife-music-then-and-now/ - Several