For many musicians, the sole passion for their craft is fuelled by attention and praise from the fan base, winning a competition and earning money. Although one would not say that it is wrong, for Kobina Annan, the pursuit is simple – living a life worthy of his calling; and this is reflective, and has inspired his musical journey.
The journey
Kobina Annan is a creative singer, songwriter, worship leader and pastor born Henry Wallace at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra on April 1 to Joyce Grant and Pastor Samuel Wallace. Kobina Annan writes thoughtful intimate songs that feel like a balm for the soul, and his soothing voice and inspiring melodies blend with poignant lyrics to stir the hearts of listeners of all ages.
He grew up in a Christian household, raised by his strict Auntie Matilda in Tema with six other siblings. Kobina’s first memories of music were heavily influenced by the church, just as many singers who caught the love of music as ‘church boys or girls’. So, at an early age, Kobina created and arranged his own materials as his church’s Youth Music Director. It was obvious that he became very passionate about music and more zealous to leverage it to influence society positively.
Education and music
Kobina graduated in 2018 from Accra Business School, majoring in Project Management. He later got his Master’s degree in Business Administration from Accra Business School in 2023 and is currently pursuing his second Master’s degree in MSc Project Management at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
Throughout his journey, it is evident that he did not lose track of his love for music even though he strives for higher heights in education. This is because in 2014, Kobina Annan Music, with The Praise Factory choir – now known as Pleasant Harmony, released their debut album, dubbed: ‘Electricity’, informing the ‘electrifying worship’ experience in which he wrote all songs.
Kobina then started his professional music career in 2016, with a solo album titled: ‘I Have a Dream’, and in February 2017, released ‘Love Is’, and subsequently ‘Ama Ghana’ – a poetic song of Nkrumah’s vows to Ghana.
Desire
His desire for Kobina Annan Music is to impact and influence his generation with his music beyond traditional gospel and the four walls of the church. He believes that music is the universal language of this generation; and as such, he expects that his message will proclaim hope to the desperate and point them to Christ.
Kobina wants his music to be received by those who know nothing about church and nothing about the bible. He believes he has been raised to be the voice that goes into the dark and desolate places to expose the life of Christ.
This, he simply put – “My pursuit in life is simple: to live a life worthy of my calling”.
Love Is …
The creative singer and songwriter, over the years, unveiled his special love concert to celebrate love, romance, and friendship through the power of music.
With this year marking the 4th year of the love concert dubbed: ‘Love Is…’, the event has become one of the top activities to enjoy every Valentine’s weekend on the Spintex Road.
Featuring a repertoire of classic tunes and compositions of his own, with arrangements that incorporate sounds and flavours from around the world in a refined and unique style, Kobina Annan Music will reach the hearts of a beautifully diverse audience in an inspiring evening of sound and message on February 19, 2023 at The Pleasant Place Church, Christ square, off the Spintex Road at 5:00 pm.
This year’s theme was inspired by Song of Songs 2:15 NLT – “Young woman of Jerusalem, Quick! Catch all the little foxes before they ruin the vineyard of your love, for the grapevines are all in blossom”.
This 19th February allows couples to strengthen their friendship, deepen their understanding of one another, and learn new skills for deepening intimacy, managing conflicts with the renowned playwright, author and motivational speaker Uncle Ebo Whyte.
This year’s ‘Love Is’ will also witness amazing live music performances from the ever-energetic and infectious Fra Band as they will be headlining the concert, as well as the dynamic traditional vocalist – Yine Win.
It will also showcase the very best of soul & jazz improvised musical talent from across the country, like the amazing and talented Naomi, Edwina, GieGie, and much-admired vocalist Esperanza Hammond – who has grown to become one of the most talented artists in today’s church music scene.
Also performing is Aseye, with her fusion of spoken word; Dani; and soulful vocalist legend Patrick Masoperh; as well as Owuraku, a prolific Christian writer and spoken word minister.
Widely considered one of the greatest guitarists of our time, Ominor – with his explosive guitar – will mesmerise the audience with his elegant playing, sensitive melodies and rhythms.
