Bits and Pieces: Harmonious Chorale’s successful West Africa Tour

What started as an ambitious goal has become a milestone through dedicated efforts and prayer by Ghana’s reputable musical ensemble – Harmonious Chorale (HC).

On April 25, HC kicked off its West Africa Tour – with sights set for Lomé, Togo; Cotonou, Benin, and Muson, Nigeria. A day prior, the advance team arrived at the Ghana-Togo border, as preparations were underway in Lomé to set the stage for a memorable concert.

The journey had barely reached its adolescent stage on that fateful Friday, and the maestros could not keep their eyelids open. Fatigue had set in, and we got it all on camera.

The group finally arrived at Lomé and there was excitement everywhere.

On that fateful night, the award-winning choir lit up the Grand Rex with soul-stirring music and unforgettable energy. Adorned in beautiful fabric, the singers dazzled.

Masterpieces such as Esrom Miele by Ephraim Amu and Eleagbe Lo by T.W. Kwami were ministered, resulting in thunderous applause from diplomats, corporate leaders including special guest Madame Marie-Josée Trenou, President of the AEA Foundation, at the sold-out concert. Yes, you read it right. The concert was sold out and the auditorium was filled to capacity.

The next day, the team had to re-energise for the journey ahead. Time to dine and wow, it was fine dinning.

Thanks to Hotel Ahodikpe for hosting the team during its stay in Togo. Should you ever travel to Togo, make it a point to have Hotel Ahodikpe as your residential destination.

Next location was Benin and lo and behold, it sure came with surprises. Feast your eyes on the apparel the team wore for the concert.

At the Palais des Congrès de Cotonou on Sunday, April 27, La Chorale Paix Divine de Godomey, together with HC, produced a breathtaking rendition of Oye, composed by James Varrick Armaah.

The night was climaxed with a surprise tribute paid to Mr. Varriick Armaah, who celebrated his birthday. He got the surprise of his life while he was passionately conducting The Holy City.

Performances for the night included French classical pieces La Nuit and Duo des Fleurs.

The night ended with a goodbye dinner like none other. Wherever there is fine dinning, there are Italian songs to be sung. Each singer showcased their God-given talent. There was dancing and laughing. In all, it was a merrymaking night.

On April 30, Lagos received HC. The group settled and welcomed the tasty delicacies present. Till May 2, the group continued seeing more of Nigeria, interacting more with the new environment.

On May 2, elegance was brought to life at a private concert in honour of Sir Olu Okeowo, the founder and chairman of Gibraltar Construction Nigeria Limited. It was an evening of timeless beauty and unforgettable music.

On May 3, guests arrived in style for the Shell Hall Grand Concert.

We saw a Nigerian-Ghanaian musical fusion with Messiah Baba Mi by Dr. Ayo Oluranti and the pidgin anthem Una Hear Me So by David Aina. Archbishop Dr Daniel Okoh, president of the Christian Association of Nigeria and choir board member, and several others who attended just had to be on their feet dancing to the great tunes.

There were performances from award-winning Lagos City Chorale, Lordina The Soprano, Dr Precious Omuku.

In all of this, the collaborative teamwork by PMP and Eugenius Photography cannot be understated. Our capable three-member team, consisting of Michael Nii Darku Dodoo, Samuel Teitey Ninyeh and Prince Twumasi showcased professionalism and excellence.

Drawing the curtain, HC expressed appreciation to God Almighty for the guidance and the provision of a successful tour.

“Thank You, Father, for traveling mercies throughout Harmonious Chorale’s West Africa Tour. You guided our every step, covered us with Your grace, and brought us safely through each journey,” the choir wrote on its Facebook platform.

About Harmonious Chorale

The award-winning Harmonious Chorale is a leading force in the global choral music landscape, believed to be the most influential youthful musical ensemble on the African continent. Harmonious Chorale provides mentorship and inspiration to far beyond the borders of Ghana with numerous accolades and achievements, showcasing its exceptional musical prowess.

Remarkably, the choir was acclaimed the Champion title at the World Choir Games (Category C28) and four (4) Gold Awards in its inaugural participation in 2018 in South Africa. The choir also received the Gold Award in the Mixed Adult Choir Category at the World Peace Choral Festival in 2021 further underscoring the choir’s international acclaim. Harmonious Chorale has showcased its exceptional talent at various prestigious events. In 2019, the choir made history as the 2nd Runner-up in the first appearance of a West African Choir at the International Festival of Orthodox Liturgical Music in Poland, The choir also received a special Diploma for promoting orthodox music in Africa.

The Harmonious Chorale participated in the International Festival of Choirs in France in July 2023 with a 45-member delegation. The choir received the Special Jury Award and secured 2nd place in the Sacred Music category, competing with eight other international choirs. The choir’s performances in Paris, attended by a diverse audience is a testament to its ability to transcend cultural boundaries.

On the local front, The Harmonious Chorale has consistently received prestigious awards, including multiple “Choir of the Year” titles at the CH Youth Choir Choral Festival and I and Awards and the “Best Choral Group” recognition at the Shine Awards 2018. Notably, the choir has dominated the Ghana National Gospel Music Awards, securing the “Best Choral Group” title from 2019 to 2021.

The choir is ably directed by the ace composer James Varrick Armaah of “Asem papa bia mati” fame and chaired by Dr. George Donkor, President of the Ecowas Bank of investment and Development. Rev. Dr. Joyce Rosalind Aryee, a former Chief Executive of the Ghana Chamber of Mines and an astute minister of the gospel is the Executive Chairman of the choir. The choir has the President of Christian Association of Nigeria Archbishop Dr. Daniel Okoh on its board of governors.

The choir had its premier United States performances in September 2024 in Texas, New York and New Jersey. The choir held its 17th anniversary concert in Accra on the 19th of October 2024 in a concert themed “Symphony and steps”.