Kenneth Kafui
Kenneth Kafui is a Ghanaian composer.[1] He is lecturer in music Theory and Composition at the music department, University of Ghana, Legon. He is also the director of Abibigromma theatre group of the university of Ghana. One of the leading composers of his generation in Ghana, in African art Music. He has composed choral works, works for choir and orchestra, symphonic works, piano and organ works, works for traditional African instruments...etc. He has created new concepts and genres in African art music like the Pentanata, the HD-3 form and Drumnata.[2]
Career
After graduating, he joined the university faculty as a teaching assistant in the department of music. The following year, he became a senior research assistant.[3] While working at the university, he gained further qualifications, including a Diploma in African Music (1982) and a Master's degree in music (2003).[4]
Most of Kafui's compositions have been orchestral or choral works, or pieces for solo piano. He was also a composer for the orchestra of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation during the late 1970s.[3]
Kafui has served as the choirmaster for the Madina Evangelical Presbyterian Church, and the Hohoe Evangelical Presbyterian Church, where he has also been the organist. He has also played organ for Trinity College.[5]
Ken Kafui was also a music Tutor at Achimota School before he moved to University of Ghana
Selected works
Choral
- Nutifafa (Peace), Op. 1 No. 1 (1972)
- Yehowa fe Lolo Lolo (God's Love is Great), Op. 1 No. 2 (1973)
- Dzifo Gbowo Navu, Op. 2 No. 1 (1974)
- Nunya Adidoe (Wisdom is like a Baobab Tree), Op. 1 No.5 (1979)
- Kokoeto (Holy One), Op. 1 No. 6 (1980)
- Dom Ko Mayi, Op. 2 No. 5 (1982)
- Miwo Do Kple Lolo, Op. 1 No. 11 (1983)
- Ne Nyo Ko Noviwo, Op. 1 No. 12 (1984)
- Brighten the Corner where you Are, Op. 1 No. 14 (1988)
Orchestral
- Symphony No. 1 in D, Op. 3 No. 1 (1975)
- Rhapsody, Op. 3 No. 2 (1976)
- Kale, Op. 3 No. 3 (1977)
- Clarinet Concerto in B♭, Op. 3 No. 4 (1980)
- Pentaphony, Op. 3 No. 5 (1986)
Solo vocal
- Nunya (Wisdom), for Tenor and pianoforte (1976)
- Dzogbenyuie (Goodwill), for Tenor and pianoforte (1977)
- Eny yie Enuanom, for Tenor and orchestra (1986)
Solo piano
- 6 Easy African Piano Pieces (1976–7)
- Pentanata no. 1, Op. 10 No. 1 (1980)
- Visitation (1985)
- Black Visitation (1986)
- 4 Keyboard Songs (1986)
- Pentanata no. 2, Op. 10 No. 2 (1986)
- Divine Love and Peace (1987)
- Sonata in D (1987)
References
- ^ Daniel Avorgbedor. "Kafui, Kenneth." Grove Music Online. Oxford University Press, accessed 25 February 2014.
- ^ "School of Performing Arts: Staff". University of Ghana. Retrieved 26 February 2014.
- ^ a b Kay, Ernest (1979). Men of Achievement. Melrose Press. p. 33.
- ^ "Department of Music: Staff". University of Ghana. Retrieved 26 February 2014.
- ^ Adrian Gaster, ed. (1977). International Who's Who in Music and Musicians' Directory. Melrose Press. p. 35.