Music
Press
This just in! I have been introduced to Sunkwa and I now have the “cry for life.” With melodies coming from the soul and heart of West Africa and, more specifically, Kofi Ameyaw. the music of Sunkwa will transport you to another world…free of charge.
Kofi is a master gyil player and the sounds he gets to come from this traditional African xylophone are truly mesmerizing. One would be hard-pressed not to feel hypnotized in the grasp of the gyil and the beauty that is Sunkwa.
I have had the utmost pleasure of listening to and broadcasting two Sunkwa discs on my Internet-based community college radio show. One disc is filled with traditional tunes from a land I have yet to visit, if only by closing my eyes and being swept away with “A Toast of the Gyil.” I am truly lifted away by the blissful sounds of this unique musical adventure.
The other disc I was privileged to review was still amazing, but on a different level. “A Taste of the Gyil” is a terrific introduction to this specific music and the truly splendid feelings I experience when in the gentle hands of Kofi and Sunkwa.
Having these recordings and songs in my life have opened up a part of me I never knew existed. You will be under the spell, too, when you get a taste of the gyil.
- Son of Lip, WCC Orchard Radio 2006
Sunkwa performance moved graciously from groovy and playful to mesmerizing and thoughtful. Kofi Ameyaw mastery of the gyil sent rhythms through the entire crowd, seeking our community heartbeat. The five-piece group was the perfect peaceful complement to our outdoor concert series.? - Karen Knack, Vibe@5
An amazing duo that radiates heat and energy - Sharon Stone, WCBN 2006
After seeing Sunkwa, I was left with this incredible light and thirst for more - M.Nester, Ann Arbor Enthusiast
Discography
Promise-
Taste of the Gyil 2006
Toast to the Gyil 2006
Ameyaw goes solo 2005
Release 2oo4
cd's can be purchased at www.cdbaby.com/kofigina1
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Sunkwa (pronounced Soon-kwa, a Twi word meaning cry for life. Sunkwa is led by am amazing natural born performer/composer Richard Kofi Ameyaw who has toured around the world performing at major venues like the John F. Kennedy Center in DC, Museum of Science and Civilization in Ottawa, Theater de la Ville in Paris, Harvard University in Boston, Chapel Hill University in NC, also performed in Major venues in Ghana, South Africa, UK and Denmark.
Sunkwa is very unique, the duo features two master Gyil players singing and playing the real traditional tunes from Ghana, and the band also features the Gyil master accompanied by Guitar, Bass, Drums, Trumpet and Saxophone. Anywhere the group hits, they surely stir up a buzz. Sunkwa has recently performed at the Detroit Concert of Colors, East Lansing Jazz Festival, Riverfolk Art and Music Festival and African World Festival, while unleashing their new sound at universities, schools, festivals, clubs and cities in Michigan, New Jersey and New York City. They are pioneers of world music? that commingles ancient traditional African instruments like the West African Ghanaian gyil (an acoustic xylophone), kpan logo, djembe and gome drums, and singing songs in languages such as Twi, Dagara, Lobi and English. Most listeners find themselves awed by the visual appeal of the instruments alone, and instantly intoxicated by the talent of the performers. Sunkwa has a way of communicating positive joy among any audience with their music. You should have Sunkwa at your venue / event. The experience will be a pleasure!!!
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