People & Lifestyle

Amakye Dede: Life and Career

Amakye Dede: Life and Career

 

Amakye Dede is a Ghanaian Highlife musician, who is regarded as one of the greatest artists in the genre and one of the greatest Ghanaian musicians in Ghana. He is also known as “Iron Boy”, and Abrantie (meaning Gentleman). His music career has spanned for over 5 decades, making one of the active musicians from the Golden Era of Ghanaian Hiplife.

Early Life.

Amakye Dede was born, Daniel Amakye Dede on 5th January, 1958 in Agogo located in the Ashanti Region. He attended the Agogo Roman School in his hometown of Agogo.

Career and Achievements.

Amakye Dede began his now decorated music career in 1973 at just 15 years of age when he joined the Kumapim Royals led by Akwasi Ampofo Agyei (AAA) who himself was also a powerhouse in the Highlife Genre. The band produced hi songs including “Wanware me a”, “Odo Mani Agyina”, “and Abebi Bewua Eso.”  Amakye Dede would leave the band to Nigeria reinvent himself. At that period, it was common to see Ghanaian Highlife Musicians in parts of Nigeria where they produced several hits including Amakye Dede himself, having recorded his hit song, “Jealousy go shame” while in Nigeria. He soon returned and formed his own crew, The Apollo High Kings.

A Young Amakye Dede
A Young Amakye Dede

Amakye Dede soon established himself as a staple in the Ghanaian Highlife scene throughout the 1980s and the 1990s. He produced numerous hit songs which dominated radio air plays and music sales in Ghana. He also became popular for his elaborate and energetic performances in concerts and was given the name “Iron Boy”.

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Amakye Dede has been active in music for about 50 years and produced over 20 albums during his entire career. The albums have spawned numerous hits which Dede is known for even today.  His hit songs include,

Bebrebe, Mmre Bi Beba, Asem To Me Kabi Ma Me, Okyena Se See, Mawerekyekyere. Kose Kose, Su Fre Wo Nyame, Kanea Maye Kyere Me, Odo Ba Baabi, Beautiful Woman, Monfa Nto Me So, Mene Wo Di Nkra, Odo Da Baabi, Odo Nhye Me Awereho Mma Wo, Were Mfi Me, among others.

Amakye Dede’s discography has been characterized by the musical experimentation which he’s known for and showcases his versatility as an artist.

In November 2023, Amakye Dede collaborated with fellow Ghanaian musical ace, Sarkodie on the song, “Been a fool for you”

In 2006, Amakye Dede was awarded the Order of the Volta honors for his outstanding contribution to Ghanaian music and projecting Ghanaian culture.

Other Ventures

Aside his Music Career, Amakye Dede is also an entrepreneurial who owns a popular Ghanaian Spot named “Abrantie Spot” in Lapaz. He usually performs live concerts in the premises with fellow musicians.

He is also a sub-chief in Agogo in the Asante Akim Traditional area.

Amakye Dede as sub chief in Agogo
Amakye Dede as sub chief in Agogo

 

Personal Life

Amakye Dede has been married to Mary Amakye Dede for over 30 years. The couple has four children including Jenessa who is also a musician herself.

In 2016, Amakye Dede was involved in a fatal accident which killed his manager, Isaac Yeboah. Amakye Dede himself sustained some injuries from the accident. It was reported that he had parked his car by the roadside while in the car and his manager standing by the car. Another car with failed brakes crushed into the car, killing his manager and injuring his bodyguard and himself.

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