Anna Nana Ama Dadzie
Ghanaian backing vocalist and composer (born 1979)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Anna Nana Ama Dadzie (born October, 20 1979[1]) and known professionally as Nana Ama or Adadziewaa, is a veteran Ghanaian singer, composer and background vocalist.[2][3]
Anna Nana Ama Dadzie Nana Ama | |
|---|---|
| |
| Background information | |
| Also known as | Nana Ama, Adadzeiwaa |
| Born | October 20, 1979 |
| Genres | |
| Occupation | Background vocalist |
| Instrument | Voice |
| Works | |
| Years active | 1998-present |
Spouse | Obofour Raphael |
Early life
Personal life
Nana Ama is married to Obofour Raphel.[5]
Career
Anna began her career in 1999, after receiving vocal mentorship from Nesbit Hanson Addy. This led her to working initially on radio jingles and voice overs before her transition into her role as a full-time backing vocalist for producers like Hammer of The Last Two, Jay Q, Zapp Mallet and Morris Babyface.[6]
She is credited for making the jingle for Top Radio in 1999[7]
She performed as a backup singer during Stevie Wonder's concert in Accra in 2004.[8][9] In 2006, she featured in Grace Ashy's theme song for the Ghana Black Stars World Cup Campaign in Germany.[10]
Notable backing vocal credits
Source:[6]
Nana Ama's contributions are embedded into the golden era of Ghanaian hiplife and highlife music where she has contributed to more than 100 songs.[1]
| Year | Primary Artist | Song Title/Album | Genre | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Lord Kenya | Medo (ft Nana Ama and Swazy B) | Hiplife | Won Song of The Year at Ghana Music Awards (2001)[11] |
| 2002 | Terry Bonchaka | Pulele | Hiplife | |
| 2003 | Buk Bak | Klu Brofo[12] | Hiplife | Song of the Year at Ghana Music Awards 2003[12] |
| 2008 | Blakk Rasta | Barack Obama[13] | Reggae | |
| 2008 | Madfish | Yahooya (feat Batman and Nana Ama)[14] | Hiplife | |
| 2020 | SSUE & Pat Thomas | Bombaya Fire[15] | Reggae |
In October 2020, she launched her solo career[12] and released her album, "The Lost Files of Nana Ama" in 2022.[16]
As part of her advocacy, she acts as the Public Relations Officer for the Ghana Background Vocalists Association, (GHABVA).[1]
Impact and advocacy
Despite her monumental contribution to music in Ghana, Nana Ama has often highlighted the challenges faced by backing vocalists particularly the lack of fair compensation.[17][4] She often hinted that the absence of royalty structures in Ghana hindered proper credits and the collection of royalties and publishing rights.[18] She became a vocal advocate for the recognition and professionalization of session musicians[19] and led the way for better conditions for her contemporaries.[20] She has also advocated for the recognition of backing vocalists and other composers in the Ghana Music Awards.[21]
Recognition
In 2021, the 3Music Women's Brunch was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to the industry.[22]