Mustapha 's Life's Journey
My Life’s Journey: Preserving and Innovating Traditional Ghanaian Music
I, Mustapha Tettey Addy, was born in 1942 in Avenor, Accra, Ghana, into a family of renowned drummers. My father, Kpani Kofi Addy, a respected Akon priest, taught me the art of drumming and the significance of traditional rituals from a young age. I was fascinated by the power of music and its connection to our cultural heritage.
As I grew older, I became increasingly passionate about preserving and sharing our traditional music with the world. After my father’s passing in 1963, I was appointed Dadefoiakye, a master drummer, by my family. This honor bestowed upon me a great responsibility to carry on our cultural legacy.
My journey took me to the University of Ghana, where I worked as a drummer and dancer. I had the privilege of meeting and learning from specialist drummers from various regions of Ghana, expanding my knowledge of our rich cultural traditions. Notably, I was mentored by the great Ewe drummer Husunui Afadi Adono Ladzekpo.
In the late 1960s, I traveled extensively throughout Ghana and neighboring countries, immersing myself in diverse drumming techniques and musical traditions. I became recognized for my expertise and dedication to preserving West Africa’s cultural heritage.
In the 1970s, I settled in Düsseldorf, Germany, where I established myself as a percussion teacher and performer. I recorded several albums, including the classic “Come and Drum,” and collaborated with international musicians, introducing our traditional music to new audiences.
In 1982, I returned to Ghana, driven by a desire to collect and arrange the Obonu music of the Ashanti region. I founded the Academy of African Music and Arts (AAMA) in 1988, creating a unique center for preserving traditional forms of art, crafts, dance, and music.
Throughout my life, I have been committed to sharing our cultural heritage with the world while ensuring its preservation for future generations. My music and teachings have taken me on a journey across continents, and I remain humbled by the power of tradition and innovation.
Traditional music and dance workshops blend with a seaside resort location to make for a serene yet industrious getaway. The Academy of African Music and Arts (AAMA) offers an immersive cultural experience like no other.
The Founders
The Academy of African Music and Arts (AAMA) was founded in 1988 by Mustapha Tettey Addy, a renowned Master Drummer from Ghana, and his German partner, Heidi Oelschlager Muller. Their vision was to create a center dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of traditional African music, dance, and arts.
Location
AAMA is located in Kokrobite, a picturesque coastal town on the outskirts of Accra. The center spans 6.6 acres, providing a tranquil and inspiring environment for learning and creativity. The facility’s serene ambiance complements its mission of preserving traditional forms of music, dance, arts, and crafts.
Mission and Commitment
AAMA is deeply committed to sharing the rich cultural heritage of Africa with the world while ensuring its preservation for future generations. The academy’s goal is to educate and impart the profound power of music and its intrinsic connection to cultural heritage.
Programs and Workshops
At AAMA, music and dance lessons are taught by experienced artists who have traveled extensively across Ghana, neighboring countries, and internationally. These artists bring with them a wealth of knowledge and expertise, offering students state-of-the-art drumming techniques and unique musical experiences that are unparalleled.
Conclusion
Whether you’re seeking to immerse yourself in the rhythmic beats of African drums or the vibrant movements of traditional dance, AAMA provides a comprehensive and enriching cultural experience. The academy stands as a testament to the power of music and arts in bridging cultural divides and fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of African heritage.
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