Daasebre Gyamenah is a late Ghanaian Highlife musician
The late Daasebre Dwamena, born Daasebre Kojo Dwamena Abubakar Saddiq, was a renowned Ghanaian songwriter and highlife music artiste.
Born around 1968 in Koforidua, he came from a unique background, both Muslim and Akan royal heritage.
After releasing an unsuccessful album in the 1980s, Daasebre travelled across various African countries in search of greener pastures.
Seven years later, he returned to Ghana with renewed hope and gave music another shot.
Drama at Daasebre Gyamenah’s funeral; GHAMRO fails to present contribution
His breakthrough came with his first hit song featuring Lord Kenya, which became a massive success among both local and diasporan Ghanaians.
He went on to release a string of popular songs, including:
Ahoofe, You Can’t Touch Me, Calling, How Far?, I Beg, A Friend in Need, Yeegye Apem, Odo Yede, Yenfii Ta
In 2006, while traveling to London to work on his music, Daasebre was arrested at Heathrow Airport when cocaine was allegedly found in his luggage.
He maintained that he had no knowledge of the drugs. Although he spent 11 months in prison, he was never convicted, as evidence suggested he was unaware of the contraband.
This difficult period in his life greatly influenced his music. His lead single following the ordeal, Saa Na Etee, addressed his arrest and the impact it had on him. He also responded to public criticism through songs like Twaso and Gye Me.
We won’t attend Daasebre Gyamenah’s funeral this weekend – Paternal Family
Daasebre’s talent was recognized at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA), where he won two awards in 2000 and four awards in 2002.
Sadly, Daasebre Dwamena passed away in the early hours of July 29, 2016, at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra after a brief illness.
PAT/EB
Meanwhile, meet the young Ghanaian artist turning bodies into powerful art:
