Music composer, ethnomusicologist and grandfather of Ghanaian rapper M.anifest, Professor Emeritus Joseph Hanson Kwabena Nketia, has passed away.
The 97-year-old man who was regarded as a bridge between Ghana’s indigenous and modern culture, died on Wednesday March 13, 2019. He would have been 98 years on June 22 this year.
Prof. Nketia died at the Legon Hospital while seeking medical attention.
He has over 80 classical African music compositions and 200 scholarly publications in English and Twi languages, which he used as a vessel to write more than 20 books. His works have shaped African studies in and outside Ghana.
Prof. Nketia, who retired from the University of Ghana, Legon in 1979, was the first African Director of the Institute of African Studies of the university.
Born at Mampong-Asante on June 22, 1921, the composer, ethno-musicologist, writer and mentor had, in the past, also held positions such as acting Principal of the Presbyterian Training College (PTC), Professor of Music at the University of Ghana and Chancellor of the Akrofi-Christaller Institute of Theology, Mission and Culture in Akropong.