Features October 4, 2013
Podcast: Lebanese Factor In Ghanaian Music
Descendants of Lebanese immigrants have had a surprising impact on the development of Ghanaian popular music. This report by Afropop's Banning Eyre digs into the history of the late-60s Afro-rock band, The Psychedelic Aliens, and producer, bandleader, and club owner Faisal Helwani. Helwani's band Hedzoleh Soundz eventually attracted the involvement of South African trumpet legend Hugh Masekela. And Helwani's club, The Napoleon, was the home base for Fela Kuti during his crucial proving years in Accra, Ghana. That means a Lebanese-Ghanaian was an important shepherd of the incipient, worldwide Afrobeat movement.
