Ghanaian Artist Gabriel Abedi Drops Cultural Anthem ‘Kewo’

Ghanaian composer and producer Gabriel Abedi has unveiled a fresh track named ‘Kewo’, marking the first of eight singles he intends to release every four weeks.

Crafted and refined by Enrico Pavan at Basement Studios in Vicenza, Italy, the song seamlessly melds classical elements with the rhythmic textures of Ewe music from West Africa.

Abedi describes ‘Ekewo’, which translates to “roots” in the Ewe language, as a journey into his heritage. He explains that the cover art, depicting an African man in Western attire being guided by a child toward traditionally dressed African figures, symbolizes his personal evolution from the European customs of his upbringing to embracing his authentic identity and cultural heritage in Ghana.

Having been born and raised in Italy, Abedi seeks to liberate himself from traditions and cultures he feels disconnected from, embracing his true origins and cultural identity in Ghana. The inspiration behind ‘Ekewo’ traces back to the Ewe people’s migration from the oppressive rule of Togbe Agorkoli in the 17th and 18th centuries in search of liberation.

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Accompanying the release is a video featuring footage Abedi captured during the 2022 Hogbetsotso Festival, a commemoration of the Ewe people’s emancipation from tyranny.

Abedi recounts his profound connection to the event, recalling his inaugural visit to Ghana in November 2022. Despite his unfamiliarity with the country and its customs, Abedi promptly journeyed from Accra to Anloga the following day, immersing himself in the festival’s vibrant celebrations and cultural manifestations.

Born to Ghanaian parents in Italy, the 24-year-old artist infuses classical, jazz, and traditional Ghanaian music into his distinctive sonic tapestry. From mastering the trombone at the age of 10 to transitioning to composition, Abedi’s recent projects include commissions for Ensemble Modern’s Oluzayo and the African Art Music Commissioning Project in Lagos, Nigeria. In April, he released ‘Asomdwe’, a self-produced record advocating for peace. Additionally, he is the creative force behind the single ‘Bra Fie’, signifying a return home.