Koo Nimo recordings: Performances & University of New England class session, 1989-1998

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Amponsah, Daniel, 1934-
Title
Koo Nimo recordings: Performances & University of New England class session
Dates
1989-1998 (inclusive)
Quantity
1 videotapes  :  1 vct (VHS (NTSC), color); Duration: 1:30:00
Collection Number
1998018
Summary
Tape donated to Archives by Koo Nimo that documents several performances in Ghana. The final item is a class session on West African rhythm by Dr. D.J. Goldsworthy, University of New England (N.S.W., Australia).
Repository
University of Washington Ethnomusicology Archives
University of Washington
Ethnomusicology Archives
Box 353450
Seattle, WA
98195-3450
Telephone: 2065430974
ethnoarc@uw.edu
Access Restrictions

Access is restricted.

Languages
English

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

Daniel "Koo Nimo" Amponsah, is an Asante "living legend" who performs the old and the new traditions of Ghana. His music brings to life the meaning of the Sankofa image, a symbolic bird of Asante, looking backwards with one foot forward to the future. Koo Nimo's musical background began at age nineteen when he was teaching drumming, guitar and brass band music in his village of Foase. Trained in chemistry, he worked at the University of Science and Technology in Kumasi as chief laboratory technician until his retirement in 1998. During this time he was an active musician and public figure, and was also the first Ghanaian to produce a compact disc of his music, Osabarima. In 1957, the year of Ghana's independence, he formed "Adadam Agofomma" (Going Back to Roots) ensemble. He was the president of the Musicians Union for 10 years and became a recipient of the Grand Medal for Lifetime Service to Ghana from the Head of State. Koo Nimo has been a source of inspiration for many musicians through the force of his character and his creative blend of Ghanaian musical forms, Spanish guitar style, and jazz chord progressions. He has performed internationally, at Lincoln Center in New York, Australia, U.S. and Britain. He can also be seen in several documentaries: "Crossing Over", "Repercussions" and the latest, "Dr. Gates's Travels through Africa".

- University of Washington School of Music Adowa Music and Dance flyer, May 22, 2000

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

Summary:

1) Presentation in recognition of Prof. Albert Mawere Opoku, Inst. of African Studies, University of Ghana, Legon, 1/23/98: Koo Nimo and ensemble play palm wine music & Koo Nimo speaks.

2) Outdoor performance of Adadam Agofomma (drumming/dancing) with explanations by invisible narrator (no audience)

3) Class session titled "Towards an Understanding of Rhythm in West African Music" presented by Dr. D.J. Goldsworthy, Music Dept., University of New England (N.S.W., Australia) (1989)

Archives copy made from Koo Nimo's personal copy.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Description
1998018-0001
1 videotape : VCT; Tracks: 3
00:00 - 18:00 - Koo Nimo's group performs palm wine music (and Koo Nimo speaks) for event titled as follows: "Presentation in Recognition of the Pioneering Work of Professor Albert Mawere Opoku of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana, Legon, Date: 23rd January 1998, Venue: Dance Hall, Institute of African Studies" "Recorded by Maxwell Agyei Addo and George Agyei Abankwah" [poor quality] 18:00 - 56:00 - Scene changes to circular paved area beside a modern building and performance by Adadam Agofomma (no audience, Koo Nimo not visible); series of drum and dance pieces; story told in gestures by seated man, with explanation by invisible narrator (not Koo Nimo); some explanation of dances by (invisible) Koo Nimo. 56:00 - 1:25:00 - Instructional videotape: "Towards an Understanding of Rhythm in West African Music - Course No: Ethnomusicology 109-1, Music 102-1, The University of New England, UNExperience - A Project of the External Studies Dept., N. S. W. [Australia]" "Instructor - Dr. D. J. Goldsworthy, Music Dept., UNE; Executive Producer - Geoff Arger; Producer - Di Adams; Camera/Editing - Steve Di Luzio; Script/Director - Nancy Fritz Holden" [lecture incl. footage of African drum/dance class, Dumisani Maraire playing mbira, shots of West Africa, introduction to percussion instruments]

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Dance--Ghana
  • Drums (Musical instruments)
  • Ethnomusicology
  • Guitar
  • Highlife (Music)
  • Music--Ghana
  • Palm Wine Music

Geographical Names

  • Africa
  • Ghana
  • West Africa

Form or Genre Terms

  • Lecture
  • Lectures and lecturing
  • Video recordings

Other Creators

  • Personal Names
    • Amponsah, Daniel, 1934- (performer)
    Corporate Names
    • Adadam Agofomma (performer)