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Ever since Osibisa, the world famous criss cross music giants and exponents of afro rock descended on the global music arena, there have been others especially Ghanaian led groups and other Africans making their effort in music industry to gain global recognition.
Among these groups is the Native Vibe. You can not help it but simply fall in love with Native Vibe if you are jazz biased and of course feed on the diet’ of jazz which comes in different forms in their swirling and euphoric ways.
Behind the Native Vibe is Nee Sackey, a Ghanaian bassist and son of the late world distinguished Ghanaian diplomat, Dr Alex Quaison Sackey, one-time President of UN General Assembly. Bill Macpherson, a stockily built white American with his support, provides the creative framework for the band which many Americans and other people describe as high energy, unpredictable and hugely entertaining.
Nee Sackey influenced by the Beatles, Buddy Rich and Miles Davies and friends of his jazz loving father had created dimension out of their influences.
Other African superstars who have been of immense inspiration also are Salif Keita, Yousouf N’dour, Osibisa and Hugh Masekela.
Native Vibe formed in 1994 has ever since been creating an astonishing blend of music influenced by the world of jazz, rock and rhythm and blues. It is reported to be one of the few bands to have crossed all boundaries, and have an appeal with a large following of people of all musical background and taste.
Their first release, ‘medicinal purposes’ was met with tremendous acclaim and received stupendous air play across America and landed the band on Garven charts in the U.S.
Two years later, with other world famed artists like Madonna and Phil Collins, they released ‘Spirits,’ produced by Jimmy Haslip. This release exposed them to a wider audience as they toured extensively both at home, in the Untied States and abroad to support the second album.
Speaking to this correspondent, Nee Sackey promised that his group will see a steady growth and line up gigs for the Ghanaian audience in the foreseeable future.
Another renowned Ghanaian, US-based super star Gyedu Blay Ambolley who recently shared the stage with Native Vibe recently believes multi-racial groups with blacks as leaders are doing well.
Two percussionists supporting Nee Sackey and Mae Bertherson are Jason Aann of Miami and Marcel Adjubi of Benin, drummer Koger Jordin of Brazil and South African Rashid Hanie.
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