Biography of Alex Konadu

Alex Konadu (1948 – 18 January 2011) was a Ghanaian singer-songwriter and guitarist who was known for his contribution to the Highlife tradition. Konadu sang in the Asante language Twi. He was nicknamed “One Man Thousand” for his ability to draw crowds wherever he appeared, and it is rumored that he performed in every single town and village in Ghana. Konadu’s song “Asaase Asa,” from the 1976 album by the same name, details a tragedy that befalls a man, killing his wife and sister. The song is dedicated to all those that have lost loved ones, and consequently, it is a “must-play at any Ghanaian funeral”.

Biography

Konadu was born in Adwumakase Kese in the Kwabere No. 3 District of Ashanti in 1948. He was part of the Kantamanto Bosco Group, the Kwabena Akwaboah and then the Happy Brothers Band before he became a solo artist. After watching him rehearse, record producer A. K. Brobbey signed him and organized a band that focused on uptempo Highlife guitar music.

Konadu died in Kumasi on 18 January 2011 at the age of 63.

Discography

Albums

1977: Abokyi

Released: 1977

Label: BHM (Brobisco House of Music)

1977: Awoo Ne Awo

Released: 1977

Label: BHM (Brobisco House of Music)

1980: Nkrabea

Released: 1980

Label: BHM (Brobisco House of Music)

1988: One Man Thousand Live in London

Released: 1988

Label: World Circuit

1998: The Greatest Classics

Released: 1998

Label: Sam Records

1999: The Best Of Alex Konadu (One Man Thousand) Vol. 1

Released: 1999

Label: System 77 Productions

Unknown: God’s Time is the Best

Label: BHM (Brobisco House of Music)

Unknown: The Best of Alex Konadu Vol. 2

Label: System 77 Productions

Contributing artist

The Rough Guide to Highlife (2003, World Music Network)