When it comes to live performances in Ghana, one band that stands tall is the Patch Bay Band, led by bassist Philip Acquah.
For years, the band has been the go-to choice for event organisers. From performing with top local and international artists at music award shows, music reality competitions, and comedy shows to corporate events, the band has done it all.
This weekend, they are headed to Kumasi for this year’s edition of the Millennium Excellence Awards—an event organised by the Millennium Excellence Foundation to celebrate and recognise outstanding achievements across various fields.
Activities lined up for the three-day event include a Business Summit at the Lancaster Hotel today, a visit to the Manhyia Palace tomorrow, May 9, and the awards ceremony and dinner on Saturday.
According to Mr. Acquah, who also serves as the band’s music director, they are fully prepared to entertain the elite audience.
“We are coming with very good arrangements—something different from what we’ve done in the past. We’re going to enhance the performances of the artists by adding beautiful touches to their already-produced songs, tailored to suit guests at such a high-profile event,” he said in an interview.
Current members of Patch Bay Band include Dominic Quarchie (guitar), Nana Yaw Safo (drums), Benjamin Nii Armah (percussion), Bright Sarpong (keyboard), Yaw Moore (sequencer), and lead vocalists Beryl Stephenson and Frank Amankwaa, popularly known as Kwaku Future.
Over the years, while some members have pursued solo careers or ventured into other fields, Mr. Acquah said what has kept the band going is their passion for music and discipline.
He noted that each member treats rehearsals and other band-related activities as a full-time job, and together, they have built a well-respected brand in Ghana’s music industry.
In 2017, the band won the Best Band Honour at the Ghana Music Honours event organised by the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) at the National Theatre.
That same year, Mr. Acquah was named Instrumentalist of the Year at the Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA). Two other band members, Dominic Quarchie and Nana Yaw Safo, received the same honour in 2018 and 2021, respectively.
Responding to how the band has remained relevant for over fifteen years, he said, “We take our work seriously, just like people in the corporate world. If we have events, we rehearse for long hours to ensure we offer something fresh to our audience. There are days we rehearse for six hours, and this is only possible because my team is dedicated and disciplined.”
He added that the band has also made conscious efforts to keep up with new technologies to improve their craft and stay current with trends.
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