An Evening of Remembrance has been held in Accra, in honour of the late Professor (Prof) Joseph Henry Kwabena Nketia, renowned Ghanaian Ethno-musicologist and composer.
The occasion, which was held at the Great Hall of the University of Ghana, brought together the rank and file of the university including students.
It was also interspersed with performances and music by the University of Ghana Jubilee choir, the Ghana Police Central Band, the Harmonious Chorale, and other musical groups.
In his sermon, Rev. Prof. Bernhardt Y. Quarshie, Rector of the Akrofi Christaller Institute, said the late Prof. Nketia, by his achievements, cultural and religious values, held proof of the fact that it was absolutely possible to be a good Christian while at the same time, cherishing one’s socio-cultural values as an African.
He said it was worth noting that whilst Prof. Nketia through his works, projected and promoted African values and culture, he was also a staunch Christian by virtue of believe, noble, gentle and considerate disposition.
Rev. Quarshie said as part of his legacy, Prof. Nketia proved that Africans, did not need to turn their backs on their cultural heritage in order to be good Christians.
He urged all African Christians to emulate Prof. Nketia’s example, and uphold the values of their heritage.
Prof.Kwesi Yankah, Minister of State in charge of Tertiary Education, in his tribute, praised Prof. Nketia for his resilience and strength of character, both as a human being and an intellectual.
Prof. Yankah said generations that had been mentored by Prof. Nketia would continue with what he had established in his life time.
“They will renew the legacy you left. Your work will continue because you were not selfish; you allowed the young ones to use you to light their own candles,” he said.
Other tributes were read by a number of individuals and organisations, including the Institute of African Studies and the School of Performing Arts.
Prof. Nketia who died on March 13, 2019, was born on June 22, 1921 at Asante Mampong in the Ashanti Region.
The late ethno-musicologist, was Emeritus Professor at the University of Ghana, and many other renowned universities.
On the African continent, Prof. Nketia was well known for his extensive work on African musicology.
He was known for several indigenous compositions, including the University of Ghana Anthem,
He received several wards, which included the ACRAG Flagster Award, Companion of the Order of Star of Ghana, Cowell Award of the African Music Society and several others.
Books written by Prof. Nketia included African Music in Ghana, the Music of Africa, among others.
