Bessa Simons

Bessa Simons is a forty year industry veteran who has played with all the big names in Ghana. He was a member of the Osibisa group during his stay in London and still works with the group on shows, coordinating the musical performances during Teddy Osei’s 80th birthday celebrations. Bessa is also a celebrated producer having worked with leading musicians like the Tagoe Sisters, Pat Thomas, Papa Yankson among others. Bessa also doubles as the 1st Vice President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) and a member of the Ghamro Board of Directors. The “Going Global With Your Music: The Osibisa Experience” is under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts and supported by the Ghana Culture Forum and the Legon Highlife Ensemble of the School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana and the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA). Bessa Simons was born into a family of musicians with his father being a Choir Master, Organist and Music Teacher. Whilst at Aggrey Boarding school, Cape Coast, Bessa played in the school Band. As a youngster, Bessa led The Pelikans Dance Band band of Cape Coast and won first prize at the Big Band competition held in Accra by the Ghanaian Arts council. He attended National Academy of Music in Winneba and also successfully completed a Diploma Course at the School of Audio Engineering in London. Bessa is a prolific song writer, keyboardist and singer who have worked with some of the greatest names in West African Music such as Pat Thomas, Papa Yankson, Kari Bannerman, Osibisa, C.K. Mann, Ebo Taylor and Multi-talented Afro-pop musician Gyedu Blay Ambolley. Currently working on his new album and also serving as the 2nd vice president of MUSIGA, Bessa has five albums to his name; including “Sii Nana” released in 1990, Accra junction” released in 1993, Life Album” recorded in 1997, “Bessa Si Bessa” which was a dance album and “Akwaaba” which was freed after his sightsee with Osibisa. Bessa is assisted by a team including film maker George Bosompim, Eric Sunu Doe of the S.P.A and Ahuma Bosco Ocansey of MUSIGA. Information by the Ghanaian journalist (29 September 2011): Nana A. Agyei-tripple Ghana's ace highlife musician Bessa Simons has finally come to settled after a long stay out side the country. Bessa, whose is known to a great keyboardist in Osibisa said” it is obliging to pass on knowledge to up and coming musicians about acquiring much both in and out of the country. The former student of Aggrey Memorial Senior High School in an interview with THE MOMENT said “After a long stay in euro, I think it is now time to give back to the society as a citizen of this country”. According to him, the wealthiest man is one with an affirmative psyche towards this country – he added. Being a leader of Dutch Band with my entire “Glory Band” equipment left the country after having some problems with “3rd Eye Band”. I did stay in U.K where there was copious band. In 1985, I toured with Osibisa's Mosore in some part of the world. We also toured with Alexander O'Neal and sky band. Continuing, from “Accra Junction” (Band) where I did compose and write my own songs. I met the late Mac Tontoh and Teddy Osei without rephrasing. We worked together as family from 1986b to 2000 with osibisa. From there, I formed “Bessa Band” and play all over the world. In a group, where part of coming from Osibisa formed a band in Canada called” The Native Spirit”. Apart that, I have produced artist like Tagoe sisters, Yaw Sarpong, Felix Owusu, Pat Thomas, Papa Yankson and other as a music producer.