To commemorate the memory of the late Mary Naa Amanua Dodoo, popularly known as Naa Amanua, Ghanaian musician Epixode has fervently campaigned for the construction of a statue. Naa Amanua, a renowned performer and a cornerstone of Ga folk music, made a lasting impression on Ghana’s musical legacy as the lead singer of the well-known group Wulomei.
According to BigFamily News, Epixode spoke with JoyNews during the recent Bhim Festival and emphasized the importance of Naa Amanua’s influence on him and many other artists. He said, “She is among the most significant musicians Ghana has ever produced.” “As a Ga, I feel a personal responsibility to honor someone who gave our tribe and culture such widespread recognition.”
Epixode’s moving tribute at the festival deeply resonated with the audience, underscoring Naa Amanua’s invaluable contributions to the preservation and promotion of Ga culture through her music. He further advocated for the construction of a statue in her memory, emphasizing the critical importance of safeguarding the legacies of such cultural icons for generations to come.
The event held special significance for Epixode, as it marked his first-ever performance alongside his biological brother, a guitarist who had traveled to Ghana specifically for the festival. “It was a magical moment,” Epixode shared. “We embraced after the performance, and it’s my hope that we can collaborate more in the future.”
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About Naa Amanua
Mary Naa Amanua Dodoo (1948 or 1949 – December 16, 2024), more popularly known as Naa Amanua, was a highly influential Ghanaian singer and songwriter specializing in Ga folk music. She was the iconic lead female singer of Wulomei, a renowned Ghanaian music group formed in 1973. Naa Amanua received the prestigious Vodafone Ghana Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Honors in 2018.
Born in 1948 or 1949, Naa Amanua began her musical journey in the choir at St. Georges Garrison Anglican Church, Burma Camp. She later became the lead singer at Abokobi Presbyterian Mixed-Middle School in the late 1960s. Naa Amanua passed away on December 16, 2024.
During Ignatius Kutu Acheampong’s regime in 1974, Wulomei toured extensively throughout Ghana and beyond, even venturing to Togo to perform alongside Charlotte Dada. They also performed in the U.S. and the UK, bringing their distinctive sound to international audiences. Naa Amanua later left Wulomei to join the Suku Troupe, whose debut album, “awo de me,” achieved great success.
The Suku Troupe offered Amanua opportunities to showcase not just her musical talents but also her skills in theater and dance. In 1978, they toured Benin, Togo, and Liberia in West Africa and also performed for President Jomo Kenyatta in Kenya. After a decade with the Suku Troupe, Amanua established her own group in 1988, releasing “Mi yen Maya” in 1989. Naa Amanua remained active throughout her later life, performing at events and special occasions. She notably stole the show alongside Burgher Highlife musician Charles Amoah at the 18th edition of the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards.
