The late highlife legend, Alfred Benjamin Crentsil, (A B Crentsil), has been given a farewell service, following his sad demise. He was buried at Ewoyaa, close to Saltpond in the Central Region of Ghana.
The legend A B Crentsil’s memorial service was observed at the Community 8 Number 2 Park at Tema, with numerous people participating, including the previous President, John Dramani Mahama.
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John Mahama, along with various prominent figures, including Julius Debrah, a previous Head of Staff, attended the burial service of AB Crentsil.
The Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), and Ghana Music Rights Organization (GHAMRO), were profoundly present at the burial service, in their numbers.
Additionally in participation were Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, Minister of Trade and Industry, Mark Okraku-Mantey, Deputy Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, among different individuals in the showbiz business.
Rt. Rev Samuel Ofori-Akyea, Bishop of the Tema Diocese of the Methodist Church of Ghana, in a sermon said, “Ghana, the city of Tema, the Methodist Church Ghana owe the great musician a lot of gratitude for making himself, music and culture known beyond the shores of Ghana.”
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As per him, A B Crentsil’s music goes beyond every dimension of the nation, adding that his approach to creating and organizing his tunes merits praises.
Previous President John Mahama described his own relationship with the late artiste, whose music he delighted in.
Spouse of A B Crentsil, Elizabeth Adwoa Crentsil, said the pair met in Takoradi in 1968 and that gathering caused her to comprehend numerous things in life because of his awareness to hilarity, and sheer personality.
She said her better half’s affection for music was profound and limitless, adding that while they were seeing each other, he used to chat with her melodiously which made her always laugh.
“We have been through thick and thin throughout our relationship. At some point, things were so bad that we did not know where our next meal would come from,” she recounted.
GHAMRO, in the spirit of paying homage, offered a eulogy speech, read by Rex Omar, as he stated that the late performer was one of the best lyricists, writers and performers, whose beginning began as far back in the 1970’s and saw him play with many music groups, eminently El Dorados and Sweer Talks. His lyrical ability and music made him a commonly recognized name in the music business across the globe.
He said A B Crentsil’s energy and authority which he added to his tunes made them special, and one that everybody couldn’t resist, but only enjoyed time and time again.
MUSIGA, also in a form of paying their tribute, said the late performer served MUSIGA loyally in different extents during his existence in the association.
Alfred Benjamin Crentsil, identified in the Indigenous and global music domain as AB Crentsil, was conceived into the world to Alfred Benjamin Crentsil Snr and Esi Yaaba on January 15, 1943, at Prestea in the Western Region of Ghana.
He had his grade school academia at the Bedu Addo Methodist Primary, and Rev. Cleveland Middle Schools, respectively.
After completing his middle school education, he turned into an electrical technician, continuing in the strides of his dad who was himself a shrewd electrical technician, with a professional job career in the assistance of the Railway Company in Takoradi.
Be that as it may, this adventure came to a quick end, due his foundation in music, which saw him manifest his talent at the young age of thirteen, whiles in Middle School, under the supervision of his mentor, Mr. Tandoh.
A B Crentsil immediately dominated the basics of guitar playing and prepared himself to play at shows.
He was significantly gifted in the craft of music arrangement and vocals. With these array of gifts at his disposal, he joined his most foremost band, Strollers Dance Band which was located in Takoradi, in 1968.
He performed with different bands like Lantics in Takoradi and El Dorados at Aboso.
In 1975, AB, his associate from the Lantics Band, Smart Nkansah and different performers met up, under the business support of Jonathan Abraham, owner of ‘Talk Of The Town and Restaurant’, to shape the ‘Sweet Talks Band’, the predominant band of the town. The band, whose main leader was guitarist, Smart Nkansah, had capable artists like Pope Flynn, J. Y. Thorty, Ekow Tuyee, Afful among others perform on the band.
They were subsequently joined by Jewel Ackah, Asabea Cropper and Eugene Cropper.
A B Crentsil was a writer, arranger, guitarist, and a performer in the band. Their most memorable album, ‘Adam and Eve’ was a major hit, and created a roar among music admirers all through the country. Different albums of the band incorporate ‘Kusum Beat’, ‘Spirirual Ghana’, and ‘The Lord’s Prayer.
In 1982, AB brought together a band and named it ‘The Ahenfo Band’. Not long after their launch, he released the evergreen hit melody, ”Adjoa’, which resounded throughout the nation via listening airwaves, ballrooms, drinking bars and discotheques. His prevalence and recognition rose above the terrain of Ghana, particularly into French speaking West African nations.
A B Crentsil had 25 albums to his name. A portion of his tunes which got both local and worldwide consideration are ‘Papa Samo’, ‘Landlord Abodwese’, ‘Devil’, ‘Osokoo’.
A B Crentsil was purified through water into the Methodist Church from the earliest stages of his life, and stayed in the religion until his death.
A B Crentsil left behind his dear spouse Elizabeth, and eight offsprings. He was laid to rest at Ewoyaa, close to Saltpond in the Central Region.
The legendary musician, has left a tremendous legacy for both young and old Ghanaians, as well as foreign admirers, who will forever appreciate his artistic prowess through his iconic sounds and melodies for generations to come.
