Story; Rahamatu-Lahi Zakaria || Editor in Chief ||
The 80s and 90s generation will know who father Clement Aapengnuo is in the northern music industry. He is among the few people to start the recording of music using new technology between 1991/1992 in the north. He is the first person to actually record Simpa music with Nana Gazo and Yakubu Kawani.
According to Father Clement who was at the catholic parish house by then, he was more interested in traditional music and he wanted to promote the Dagbanli music and that was how the northern music started.
He approached Nana Gazo who use to play the Keyboard but was still a student at Ghanasco. He used to play twi gospel and Father Clement advised him to play dagbanli songs to grow the industry since doing the twi gospel would mean he had to compete with other people out of his jurisdiction.
Later Father Clement heard of Yakubu Kawani who was by then in kingani. He went all the way to the village to bring Kawani so they could record the first Simpa music for commercial purpose.
At that time, Tamale did not have a recording studio, so they had to go to Accra and do everything before coming back to the north to sell the music.
He recalls that, their first cassettes were sold out within two hours but by then time they went back to Accra to bring in more cassettes to sell, they were beaten by piracy. Others had already pirated the cassette and started selling on the streets.
People did not understand why a priest will be involved in the production of circular music. But Father Clement says he loved what he did and does not regret ever doing it and if given the opportunity again, he will do it over and over again.
Father Clement shared his disappointment in the lack of support towards the creative arts industry. he encourages support for people in the creative arts sector calls for talent hunt competitions in schools like the drama competition and art and crafts. This he hopes will unearth more talents among the youth and give them the opportunity to express themselves and grow
