Bessa Simons is one of Ghana’s most respected highlife musicians, celebrated for his exceptional talent as a keyboardist, songwriter, producer, bandleader and music administrator. With a career spanning more than four decades, he has played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Ghanaian highlife music both locally and internationally. Beyond the stage, he has mentored countless musicians and has served as President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), advocating for the welfare and growth of Ghana’s music industry.
Early Life and Background
Bessa Simons was born into a deeply musical family in Ghana’s Central Region. His father was a respected choir master, organist and music teacher, exposing him to music from a very young age. Growing up in such an environment helped shape his appreciation for melody, harmony and musical discipline.
His formal musical journey began at Aggrey Memorial Boarding School in Cape Coast, where he became an active member of the school’s band. Even as a student, his talent stood out. He later became the leader of the Pelikans Dance Band, which won first prize in a national Big Band competition organized by the Ghana Arts Council during the early 1970s.
Music Education
Unlike many musicians who relied solely on natural talent, Bessa Simons invested heavily in formal music education.
He studied at the National Academy of Music in Winneba, now part of the University of Education, Winneba, where he strengthened his understanding of music theory, composition and performance.
Seeking to broaden his technical expertise, he later travelled to London to study at the School of Audio Engineering, earning a diploma in music production and sound engineering. This training greatly influenced his approach to recording and producing music.
Rise in Ghana’s Music Industry
Bessa Simons emerged during one of the most exciting periods in Ghanaian highlife music.
His mastery of the keyboard quickly earned him recognition among established musicians. His ability to blend traditional Ghanaian rhythms with modern instrumentation made him one of the country’s most sought-after performers.
He became known not only for his energetic stage performances but also for his songwriting and studio production skills, helping shape the sound of Ghanaian highlife during the 1980s and 1990s.
Joining Osibisa
One of the defining moments of Bessa Simons’ career came when he joined Osibisa, the legendary Afro-rock and highlife band that introduced African music to global audiences.
During his years in London, he toured with the band and performed across Europe, North America and other parts of the world. His keyboard work became an important part of the band’s live performances.
Working with Osibisa exposed him to international audiences and allowed him to collaborate with musicians from different musical traditions, enriching his own style and experience. He has continued to support the band on special projects even after his active touring years.
Music Career and Albums
Over the years, Bessa Simons has released several successful albums, many of which remain favourites among highlife lovers.
His albums include:
Sii Nana (1990)
Accra Junction (1993)
Life Album (1997)
Bessa Si Bessa
Akwaaba
Among his best-known songs are:
Sii Nana
Awoye
Belembe
His music combines traditional highlife rhythms with contemporary production, soulful lyrics and outstanding keyboard performances.
Part Six: Legendary Musicians He Worked With
Throughout his remarkable career, Bessa Simons has collaborated with many of Ghana’s greatest musicians.
These include:
Ebo Taylor
Pat Thomas
Papa Yankson
Gyedu-Blay Ambolley
Kari Bannerman
C.K. Mann
Tagoe Sisters
Felix Owusu
Yaw Sarpong
His collaborations span highlife, gospel and contemporary Ghanaian music, reflecting his versatility as both a performer and producer.
International Exposure
Bessa Simons has represented Ghana on some of the world’s biggest stages.
His international performances have taken him across Europe, North America and other regions, helping promote Ghanaian highlife to global audiences.
His work with Osibisa and later with the Bessa Band demonstrated that Ghanaian music could compete on the international stage while remaining rooted in its cultural identity.
The Bessa Band
After returning to Ghana from the United Kingdom, Bessa Simons established the Bessa Band.
The band has become one of Ghana’s leading live highlife ensembles, performing regularly at concerts, festivals and cultural events. Beyond entertainment, the band serves as a platform for mentoring young musicians and preserving authentic live highlife performance.
Leadership at MUSIGA
Bessa Simons has made significant contributions away from the stage through his leadership in the music industry.
As President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), he has focused on:
Improving musicians’ welfare.
Advocating fair compensation.
Promoting copyright protection.
Encouraging professionalism.
Supporting young and emerging artists.
Preserving Ghana’s musical heritage.
He has also served on the board of the Ghana Music Rights Organization (GHAMRO) and has been involved in industry policy discussions.
Awards and Recognition
Bessa Simons’ lifelong dedication to music has earned him numerous honours.
One of his most notable recent recognitions was receiving the Music Legend Award at the 7th Ghana Business Awards, acknowledging his immense contribution to Ghana’s music industry and cultural development.
Legacy and Archives
Bessa Simons’ legacy extends far beyond his recordings.
His contribution includes:
Preserving authentic Ghanaian highlife music.
Training and mentoring young musicians.
Producing some of Ghana’s finest artists.
Promoting Ghanaian music internationally.
Helping modernize music production in Ghana.
Strengthening musicians’ rights through leadership.
Although scholars have noted that documentation of Ghanaian popular music remains limited, Bessa Simons has been recognized as an important figure whose work deserves greater archival preservation and academic study.
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