The sensational Wulomei folkloric group continues with its series of gigs to promote its new Wulomei Returns album with a performance tomorrow, Friday, August 31 at Don’s Place, OSU in Accra. Veteran trumpeter, Mac Tonton, is the guest artiste for the night.

The group’s latest work, Wulomei Returns, was released on a limited scale in this country last April. Patronage on the internet, however, has been very encouraging and the ongoing round of shows is to present samplings of the excellent stuff on the album to live audience.

The Wulomei, then led by multi-instrumentalist and composer Nii Tei Ashitey, first hit the national scene in the early 1970’s with their unique traditional style. They quickly brought some freshness to the folk music landscape and have retained a strong presence over the years.

Their highly successful international tours and recordings have entrenched their identity as a formidable music group. The founding members are no longer in the band but a succession plan has ensured that a new crop of equally talented instrumentalists, singers and dancers are continuing with the high standards associated with the group.

Wulomei Returns is a fascinating re-working of the group’s old hits like Aklowa, Kaagba, Jalelele, Meridian, Takoradi, Menye Menye Menye and Akosua Serwa. The new, more trendy versions were recorded and mixed in Accra and London.

It features an array of fine Ghanaian guest players including Ray Allen on saxophone, Osei Tutu and John Bilson on trumpet, Kari Bannerman on guitar as well as vocal artistes Tinny, Kaseem Bebe and Elivava.

Mac Tonton told Showbiz rehearsals for tomorrows show are going well and it would be an interesting evening of Ghanaian music. The event is a Creative Storm production in collaboration with the management of Don’s Place. Doors open at 7.00pm.

Graphic Showbiz       August, 30 – September 5, 2007         Page:  16