Gyedu-Blay Ambolley in Minneapolis

Gyedu-Blay Ambolley is a Ghanaian singer, saxophonist and bandleader, born in Sekondi-Takoradi in 1947. He developed a highlife style called Simigwa, drawing on funk and jazz and using rhythmic spoken vocals that anticipated hiplife. The album Simigwa and the song “Simigwa-Do” are central works in his catalogue. He performed with Uhuru Dance Band before co-founding Apagya Show Band with Ebo Taylor, grounding his live work in Ghana’s dance-band tradition. He later toured internationally under his own name, singing and playing saxophone at clubs, theatres and festivals. His concerts are presented with a full backing group, billed as the Sekondi Band.