UW Ethnomusicology Archives audio recordings: Douglas Patterson recordings (Koo Nimo Interview - KUOW-FM), 1999

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Patterson, Douglas
Title
UW Ethnomusicology Archives audio recordings: Douglas Patterson recordings (Koo Nimo Interview - KUOW-FM)
Dates
1999
Quantity
1 audiotapes  :  EC - 1 audio cassette (TDK-D C-60 (Type II), stereo); Duration: 00:23:00
Collection Number
1999009
Summary
Circumstances of recording unknown.
Repository
University of Washington Ethnomusicology Archives
University of Washington
Ethnomusicology Archives
Box 353450
Seattle, WA
98195-3450
Telephone: 2065430974
ethnoarc@uw.edu
Access Restrictions

Unrestricted: collection is open for research.

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

Interview of Koo Nimo by Douglas Patterson for KUOW-FM radio, University of Washington, broadcast 4/23/99; interview intended to promote UW Visiting Artist concert 4/27/99.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Ethnomusicology
  • Palm Wine Music
  • Radio

Geographical Names

  • Africa
  • Ghana
  • West Africa

Form or Genre Terms

  • Interviews

Other Creators

  • Personal Names
    • Amponsah, Daniel, 1934- (performer)
    • Patterson, Douglas (performer)