Koo Nimo, Nana Ampadu, Wolomei, King Bruce, E. T. Mensah, Ramblers, Kofi Ghanaba (Guy Warren), Gyedublay Ambulley, Dr. K. Gyasi, Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh. James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Millie Jackson, Gladys Knight, Curtis Blow
Born in Ghana, Nii grew up in Kumasi, a city in Ghana and the cradle of Palm Wine Music, where greats like Koo Nimo etc. made their mark. His love for traditional and Highlife music was influenced by musicians like Nana Ampadu, Kofi Ghanaba (Guy Warren), Gyedublay Ambulley, Dr. K. Gyasi etc. as well as folk-mixed-guitar music by the Wolomei etc.
At Secondary School, his friends in the school's band encouraged and taught him to play some of the instruments. After graduation and throughout college, he was involved with music through studio work and playing in other bands. He wrote and edited scripts for other musicians as well.
He played with a band (Busanga) when he came to Montreal in 1986. Any one who heard his material, encouraged him to record them. He and his friends including Brian Quaye, formed a new band called "Odja".
Since his childhood, Nii has done a lot in music as elaborated above. An industrial Technologist by profession he manages to balance between work performing and from 2004, he and the band have performed at various venues and festivals. He has performed on the same stages and festivals as some of the great musicians of this age. Greats like Youssou N’Dour, Daaar J, Alpha Blondy, Lauren Klassen, etc. on hearing his music, have nothing but praise for him. His stage presence is a must see. And the band, Unbelievable.
He translates some of his Lyric into English or French for the understanding of his listeners.
After years of hard work, he has released his first album "Highlife Time", which he hopes will bring Highlife Music back into the main stream and raise the interest and patronization the world over. A great Artist and Ambassador of African Music.
More at: www.highlifemusik.com, www.myspace.com/nii1, www.africasounds.com , www.youtube.com/niihighlife , www.unsigned.com/nii "
By - Giovanni.
