Alfred Kpebesaane is a skilled percussionist, master xylophonist, expert in Ghanaian gyil (xylophone) and songwriter. He grew up in the upper west region of Ghana, where he learned to perform ceremonial traditional gyil music for events such as weddings, funerals, and social dances in his community.
His original songs talk about community issues such as AIDS prevention, ancestral calls, healing powers of relationships, musicians uniting, and the evils of greed.
Alfred Kpebesaane spent many years in his early musical career, recording and performing in Ghana,
touring internationally with Bernard Woma’s Saakumu Dance Troupe, and teaching at the renowned Dagara Music Center in Medie, Ghana.
Alfred has recorded several albums, including Te Songtaar: The Northern Solohitter, and Zo Nirsaale. He also released a collaboration with American pianist Brittany Anjou titled Nong Voru – Fake Love.
As of 2021, Alfred Kpebesaane was living in Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
(headline image: Alfred Kpebesaane – Photo by Casey-Mitchell)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.