Ghanaian highlife star and renowned saxophonist, singer and guitarist Gyedu-Blay Ambolley returns with 11th Street, Sekondi, his 32nd albums since his debut in 1973.
The Ghanian legend’s latest release shows off a pride of heritage, and his honed talent for mixing highlife with other genres like rap, afro-funk and disco. Ambolley’s latest album, 11th Street, Sekondi, named after the area of West Ghana in which he grew up, is a look back at the area and musical styles that shaped the musician’s life.
“Black Woman”, is a funky number that opens the album with Ambolley on a tenor sax solo. Soul, jazz, blues and comedy are present – in keeping with his fervent belief that music must always be entertaining for the listener. The album is the second of his to be released on German label Agogo Records, after acclaimed 2017 hit, Ketan. It also stays true to highlife’s social ambitions, with reflections on the misguided pursuit of European ideals ahead of African values.
11th Street, Sekondi, out on November 22 via Agogo Records. Discover the artwork below and pre-order it here.
Gyedu Blay Ambolley & His Sekondi Band will perform at Le Guess Who festival in Utrecht, Netherlands on Saturday, 9th November.
