I Owe My Success To Kwadwo Akwaboah —Nicholas Omane Acheampong

The death of Highlife musician Kwadwo Akwaboah on Tuesday, May 16 morning was a big blow to many Ghanaians especially the entertainment industry but one person who is feeling the pain and still can’t believe he is no more is Gospel singer Nicholas Omane Acheampong.

Kwadwo Akwaboah’s demise was announced by his musician son, Kwabena Akwaboah Jnr. on his Instagram page.

According to Nicholas who has worked with Kwadwo Akwaboah since he (Nicholas) was 14 years old, the Awerekyekyere singer was more than a father to him because they did a lot of things together.

In an interview with Graphic Showbiz, Nicholas said Kwadwo Akwaboah was behind all his hit songs.

Nicholas revealed that what most people did not know was that he was a great sound engineer apart from playing the keyboard and guitar very well.

“In fact, he recorded all my hit songs from Aporsor, Zaphnath Paneah, Tabitha Kum, Mahashala among others and he also played a major role on all my albums. He would go through all the songs with me to make sure I got everything right.

“When I started my music career, I wanted a talented sound engineer who would understand the kind of music I do and he has been a blessing since he came into my life. I benefited a lot from him so his death is a big blow to me,” he stated.

Paying him more tributes, Nicholas said Kwadwo Akwaboah was a disciplinarian and as a result, some musicians could not work with him.

“The man I know will not do any shoddy work because of what he stood for. Some musicians could not work with him because of how principled he was. If a song is bad, he will not record it no matter what.

“He was very close to me and I know how deep that man is. It hurts me that a lot of musicians could not benefit from this wonderful man who I describe as my role model and the best musician and sound engineer I have come across.

“Since his death, I have had the likes of Kaakyire Kwame Appiah and others calling me. They know how close I was with him. I am so sad,” he added.

The late Kwadwo Akwaboah, 69, was a talented guitarist, producer and keyboardist. He worked with some of Ghana’s great musicians, including Kojo Antwi, Rex Omar and the late Nana Kwame Ampadu, Jewel Ackah and C.K. Mann.

He also played in his late father, Master Bob Kwabena Akwaboah Snr.’s Akwaboah International Band, Marriot Band and Oheneba Ntim Barima Band.

Some of the songs he is known for are Awerekyekyere, Face To Face and Hini Me.

Kwadwo Akwaboah’s one week is scheduled for Trede, off the Obuasi Road on Tuesday, May 30.