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Borborbor music originates from Kpando -Mr Nuatro
The mention of Borborbor music and dance sparks great interest in people and sends one’s mind to Kpando in the Volta Region where its sublime form is played to entertain gatherings.
Mr Innocent Victor Korku Nuatro, a retired Senior Manager of GCB Bank, who had spent 37 and -a – half years with the bank, and a founder of the Mawuli Borborbor Band, Kpando, has over 100 compositions of Borborbor songs and two CDs to his credit.
He said Borborbor music and dance was founded by his late father Francis Kodzo Nuatro a native of Kpando Dzigbe in the Volta Region, and that Ghanaians should disregard publications in the media which sought to suggest that Borborbor music and dance originated from Wusuta in the Volta Region.
Mr Nuatro said his late father nurtured, developed and promoted the music and dance which eventually became the pride of the chiefs and people of the Akpini traditional area.
” People must endeavour to put records straight, give credit to those who ought to be credited and be humble to learn from others,” he said.
Mr Nuatro admitted that prior to the introduction of Borborbor music and dance at Kpando, there were other forms of music and dance in the area, some of which included ” Akaye”, “Egbanigba”, “Adewu” and “Akpi”, but the irresistible Borborbor music and dance came to overshadow the previous ones.
According to him, his late father’s ability to organise people, compose captivating patriotic songs, dirges and songs for marriages, naming ceremonies and indeed all occasions endeared him to many people and his music has become the most sought after across the country.
He disclosed that the unique Borborbor music caught the attention of Ghana’s first President, the late Dr Kwame Nkrumah during one of his visits to Kpando, prior to Ghana’s attainment of Independence in 1957. ”It was no wonder, Dr Kwame Nkrumah adopted the original Borborbor group and nicknamed it, ‘Osagyefo’s own Borborbor Band’ “.
Mr Nuatro said the late General Ignatius Kutu Acheampong and Dr Hilla Limann, at various times during their leadership of the country, fell in love with Borborbor music and dance.
He said Borborbor music which has unique rhythm was associated with dance movements with the use of handkerchiefs which were displayed in a special way, adding that the lead singer conducted and controlled the Borborbor music but not the trumpeter.
” The original Borborbor music is different from what is known as “Akpese Music,” Mr Nuatro said.
He said in the 1970’s, his late father ensured that, the original Borborbor Band was affiliated to the Arts Council of Ghana, adding that the authenticity of the origin of Borborbor music could be ascertained from the University of Ghana Music Department.
Leadership in church
Mr Nuatro who formed the St Mary Immaculate Youth Choir of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Kpando, has advised choir masters and group leaders to refrain from immoral acts since that was the potential for the collapse of many groups.
The renowned musician intimated that choristers played a sacred role in church and should, therefore, revere their calling as a duty to God the arbiter of their lives.
Mr Nuatro explained that those who accepted to serve God as choristers had received untold blessings, answered prayers and longevity of life.
He called on the youth to be zealous for the work of God since it had attracted numerous blessings from God and had empowered many to enjoy fulfilled lives.
Mr Nuatro said those who had dedicated their lives and services to God were not disappointed, adding that they should persevere in prayer, carry out acts of charity and must be at peace with all people.
He emphasised the need for the youth to serve God in their youthful days and eschew acts which would drive them away from worshipping God.
Working Life
Mr Nuatro joined the GCB Bank as a clerk, enrolled with the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Ghana, obtained the Banking Diploma Part One but could not go further due to frequent transfers throughout the country.
However, training courses he attended were, Management, Leadership, Supervision, Empowerment and Motivation among others.
Hobbies
His hobbies include reading and watching football with Kpando Heart of Lions, Accra Great Olympics, Manchester United and Real Madrid as his favourite teams.
Meals
Mr Nuatro takes delight in eating fufu with either goat meat or fish light soup, jollof rice, and also enjoys beans with fried plantain.
Raymond Kyekye
Profile
Prisca Abah: Ghana’s modelling powerhouse
Ghanaian model, philanthropist and advocate, Prisca Abah, who is known for her contributions to the fashion industry, is strutting her stuff on higher levels.
She was recently selected as one of the models for the Big8 Girls Project, an initiative by Clinton Samuel to celebrate influential African models.
The project consisted of three episodes: the Bio Shoot which highlighted Abah’s professionalism through a corporate-themed photoshoot; Afrodeity which focused on showcasing her confidence and artistry, celebrating the African divine feminine and royalty which presented Abah as a symbol of African cultural pride, embodying strength and elegance.
The Big8 concept, produced by Clinton Samuel, intentionally highlights and celebrates the strongest and most influential models on the African continent, congratulating their steadfastness and contributions to the African fashion industry, even as they grind and win in other aspects of life.
The Big8 sets hierarchy and high standards in the African fashion and modelling industry, crowning eight of them with the ‘Top Model’ status as the leading female models in Ghana at the moment.
“Working with these fiery women will surely ignite more creative minds and stir the pot of positive competition,” said Clinton.
Abah’s early life and career
Prisca Abah began her modelling career in 2013, achieving her first notable milestone in 2014 with an editorial shoot for 5-Star International Modelling Agency. In 2015, she made her runway debut at the Ghana Fashion Awards.
From 2016 to 2018, Abah participated in major African fashion events such as Glitz Africa Fashion Week, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Johannesburg, and Rhythms on the Runway.
During this period, she received accolades, including the “Best Female Model of the Year” and spoke as a UN Ambassador for Sustainable Development Goal 12 at the Sustainable Rice Platform Conference.
International recognition and pageantry
In 2022, Abah expanded her reach by entering the pageantry world. She placed as the first runner- up at the Beauty of Africa International Pageant and represented Ghana at the Miss Globe World Finals, where she earned the title of Miss Globe Africa 2022.
Philanthropy
Abah founded the Palins Foundation, a non-profit organisation, aimed at empowering women and youth through initiatives in education, skills training, and personal development.
Awards and collaborations
In 2023, Abah received the Best Model of the Year award at the Time Ghana Arts and Entertainment Awards. She has collaborated with leading designers such as Charlotte Prive and Ejiro Amos Tafiri, further solidifying her influence in African fashion.
Legacy
Prisca Abah is recognised not only for her contributions to the fashion industry but also for her philanthropic efforts. Her journey serves as an inspiration to young Africans, encouraging them to pursue their dreams while giving back to society.
By Edem Mensah Tsortorme
Profile
Juventus Duorinaah, Ghana’s first deaf Lawyer
In a landmark moment for Ghana’s legal landscape, Juventus Duorinaah Esq., has etched his name in history as the country’s first lawyer with a hearing impairment.
His journey from a humble background to breaking barriers in the legal profession serves as a powerful inspiration for countless individuals in the disability community, proving that determination and resilience can defy societal expectations and create pathways to success.
For Juventus, the recognition as Ghana’s first deaf lawyer feels surreal.
“It feels like a dream,” he reflects, acknowledging the stereotypes surrounding deafness and the humble background from which he hails.
Juventus’ passion for law sparked in 2008 while seeking admission to the University of Ghana (UG). Although he initially faced challenges due to the nature of the application process, the help of his older brother and his determined spirit led him to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2012, followed by a Master of Laws at Cardiff University in 2014.
His passion for the study of law became highly intense when he had to study alongside qualified lawyers from several jurisdictions, even though he did not have a legal background. Here, he faced the unique challenge of studying without sign language interpreters, relying instead on a palantypist to transcribe lectures.
Juventus’ role model was his professor and mentor, Professor Luke Clement, who profoundly inspired him in shaping his understanding of law and human rights.
He remembers Prof. Thomas Stephens from the University of Ghana School Of Law, who inspired him with his way of dressing, in-depth knowledge of the law and engagement with students.
He recounts the enormous challenges he encountered during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when lectures moved online, and Dr Stephen’s tremendous support to ensure things moved quickly and smoothly for him.
“I also had the chance to have a few classes with the Dean himself, Prof. Raymond Atuguba. He taught the course such that some of us never felt scared as other lecturers made the course,’ he recalled.
Juventu’s academic journey was fraught with challenges, particularly in communication.
The year 2007 was the last time he studied with deaf peers. He was often the only deaf person in his classes throughout the following years of his education, which made interaction with peers difficult.
Despite these hurdles, he remained high-spirited, studying late into the night and seeking help from kind classmates when necessary.
Reflecting on his academic experience at UG, he connected his affection for the university to his older brother, who is also an alumnus. He felt inspired to be a student of the premier university, saying he would choose the University of Ghana any time, any day, if given the chance to further his studies or work.
The University Of Ghana School Of Law, along with its Dean, Professor Raymond Atuguba, the Director of Legal Education of the Ghana School of Law, Yaw Bramiah Oppong, and his capable team, including the Registrar and Deputy Registrar of the Ghana School of Law and the Office for Students with Special Needs (UG), made significant contributions to his journey.
Prof. Atuguba acknowledged Juventus’ achievement as evidence of the university’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Commenting on how the school accommodated his special needs, Prof. Atugugba explained that ‘In the case of Juventus, we worked closely with him to understand and address his special needs, ensuring he had access to the teaching and learning resources in the appropriate formats that would support his academic journey.
Professor Atuguba noted that Juventus’s journey is just beginning, and the future holds promise for him and the many lives he aims to touch along the way.
Juventus’s close friend, Ida Esi McOwusu Esq., described her first encounter with Juventus as ‘intriguing.’ “My first meeting with Juventus was in class, where he sat right in front of me in first year,” Ida reveals. She was intrigued and wanted to find out more about him, especially how Juventus navigated his way to this level. “I got closer and we became friends from there,” she remarked.
Mr Francis Kweku Essel, Juventus’ interpreter, shed light on the primary challenges he faced in carrying out his job, particularly the complex nature of legal terminology and concepts. This validates Ida’s comment on the interpreters’ lack of legal background as a challenge Lawyer Duorinaah encountred.
Juventus dreams of becoming a judge and aims to enhance justice delivery while serving as a role model for young people with disabilities.
He is currently mentoring a group of young deaf students interested in pursuing law, hoping to pave the way for future generations. What’s next for Lawyer Juventus? His next step is to complete his pupilage, after which he can decide further his legal career.
