Accra, March 22, GNA – The United States Naval Forces Europe and Africa’s Topside Brass Band has entertained children of some three underprivileged schools at Jamestown in Accra.
The schools – Universal Wonderful Street Academy, BASIC International School and Gbekebii School of Art and Culture – are underprivileged schools managed by non-governmental organisations operating on “no-fee basis.”
The event, organised by the US Embassy in Ghana and the Universal Wonderful Street Academy, sought to give the children a taste of different music from a different world and strengthen the strong bond between the two countries through music.
The high-energy band performed a wide-range of New Orleans music, rhythm and blues.
The performance of the eight-member professional brass band captivated the audience, especially the school children with its dynamic style, compelling them to take to the stage to showcase their dancing talent.
Prior to Topside Band taking to the stage, pupils of the Universal Wonderful Street Academy displayed some rich Ghanaian culture and history through songs and dances in the Ga Language, to welcome their foreign entertainers.
Speaking in an interview with the media at the end of the Band’s performance, Musician (Mui) Surface Welfare (SW) Kent Grover, leader of the Band, said music was a universal language that connected people globally.
He said the performance of the band was, therefore, to celebrate the strong partnership and friendship that existed between Ghana and the US, especially militarily.
“Music is a thing that connects people, gets us all dancing, smiling and happy. And being in Ghana in this beautiful country playing for these kids here is going to be an experience I am going to remember my whole life,” Mr Grover said.
He expressed hope the performance would strengthen maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
Mr Louis Yeboah Womder Doe, the Founder and Director of the Universal Wonderful Street Academy, commended the Band for the high-level commitment showed to the children.
He said the School, established over 11 years on a “no-fees basis,” was to give education to all underprivileged children in the community to help better their lives and reduce teenage pregnancy and called for support from corporates and individuals.
US Naval Forces Europe and Africa’s Topside Brass Band is a high-energy ensemble with a wide-ranging repertoire of traditional and modern New Orleans music, rhythm and blues.
GNA