Koo Nimo promo film: Adzohu and Koo Nimo Tour, 1992

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Amponsah, Daniel, 1934-
Title
Koo Nimo promo film: Adzohu and Koo Nimo Tour
Dates
1992
Quantity
1 videotapes  :  1 vct (VHS (NTSC), color); Duration: 00:06:00
Collection Number
1998015
Summary
Adzohu (ensemble) recorded in Melbourne, Australia and Koo Nimo & palm wine group recorded in Ghana; donated to Archives by Koo Nimo (copied from his copy)
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

Short promotional film for fall 1992 tour of eastern Australia by Adzohu (drum and dance ensemble of non-African college-age Australians) with guest musicians Koo Nimo and drummer [name unintelligible]; first 3 minutes is footage of Adzohu; remaining 3 minutes is Koo Nimo and a palm wine group filmed outdoors in Ghana (with shots of a young man harvesting a palm tree); woman's voice announces upcoming tour.

Produced by Imago Video Productions, 115 Spensley St., Clifton Hill, 3068 [Australia]; Phone (03) 481 6769.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Description
1998015-0001
1 videotape : VCT; Tracks: 2
00:00 - 03:04 - Adzohu (drum and dance ensemble) promo footage. 03:04 - 06:43 - Koo Nimo and palm wine group (with shots of young man harvesting palm tree)

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

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

Geographical Names

  • Africa
  • Ghana
  • Traditional Ghana
  • West Africa

Other Creators

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