Veteran highlife musician Agya Koo Nimo was honored with the first-ever Baobab Lifetime Achievement Award by the African University College of Communications (AUCC) on June 21.
The award was presented to Nimo’s son, Emmanuel Nana Kwarteng, and Dr. Adrian Nii Oddoye of +233 Jazz Bar and Grill, as Nimo was unable to attend due to illness.
In a video recording, Nimo expressed his gratitude for the award, apologizing for his absence and asking for everyone’s understanding. He also thanked Professor Kwesi Yankah, who was instrumental in his career, for his support.
The award was presented by AUCC President Professor Abeiku Blankson, who said that the award was created to recognize Nimo’s contributions to African music and culture.
“We are happy that we have someone who really lived the African dream with his music,” Blankson said. “We also want to bring the attention of the young ones to the contribution of our elderly.”
The ceremony also featured performances by the Legon Palmwine Band, Osei Kwame Korankye, Kwame Brenya, and Nana Asaase.
Nimo is a highly respected figure in Ghanaian music, and his contributions to the genre have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Asanteman Award from the Asantehene, the Konkoma Award, and the Flag Star award from ECRAG (Entertainment Critics and Reviewers Association of Ghana).
This award is a well-deserved recognition of Nimo’s lifelong achievements, and it is a testament to his impact on African music and culture.