The Ngmayem Festival is one of Ghana’s richest cultural events which celebrates the Krobo heritage.
This year, the festival marked its 131st anniversary, drawing different people to Krobo Odumase.
Among those present to celebrate was Ahmmed Kanneh Larweh, popularly known as Sparqlyn, the prominent Ghanaian musician, businessman, and development chief of Krobo Odumase.
Sparqlyn, who bears the chieftaincy title Noryam Matse, stood proudly by the Paramount Chief of Krobo Odumase, Nene Sakite II, who also serves as the president of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs.
In a quick interaction with some media houses during the celebration, Sparqlyn made a passionate appeal for investment in the Krobo area, urging both local and international businesses to explore the vast opportunities in the area.
Using his esteemed role as a development chief, Sparqlyn also spoke about the abundant resources and untapped potential in the Krobo area.
Over the years and prior to being enstooled as the development chief of the Krobo Odumase traditional area, Sparqlyn has always used his craft and journey as a musician to be an ambassador for his people by using his mother tongue in most of his songs.
He started his career with the music group Dunsin, where he was known by the name Kele.
Dunsin, was a vibrant trio in the Ghanaian music scene, who released their debut album, “Ɔyɛadeɛyie”, in 2009, which quickly garnered attention. They followed it with “Kwansema” in 2012, and their dynamic performances and compelling storytelling got them many nominations along the lines.
During their active years, Dunsin got nominations in 2009 for the Hiplife Song of the Year at the Ghana Music Awards, and in 2010 for Best Group of the Year, Best Choreography, and Best Storyline at the 4syte TV Music V ideo Awards.
Apart from the local awards and nominations, Dunsin also received international acclaim at the Musician Union of South Africa (MUSA) awards in 2013, where the group was honoured with the titles of ‘Most Exciting Group in Africa’ and ‘Most African Video’ at an event, held at Lyttelton Centurion, Pretoria in South Africa.
In 2017 as well, Dunsin was also nominated as the “Music Group of the Year” at the Ghana Music Awards after they enjoyed a lot of attention following the release of their single “Fefeefe”.
After working with the group more than a decade, Sparqlyn formerly known as Kele ventured into a solo career in 2018.
Throughout nearly two decades in music, he has maintained his ties to his Krobo roots.
His dedication to his heritage is clear in his music, which not only entertains but also educates listeners on the unique identity of the Krobo people.
In the last few months as well, Sparqlyn has paid courtesy calls on various chiefs, including the Paramount Chief of the Asere Traditional Area, HRM Nii Nikoi Olai Amashie III, the Paramount Chief of the Gbese and Adonten Ga States, Nii Dr. Ayi-Bonte II, and a few others with the sole aim of uniting all the Ga-Adangbe states as one.
