Album Notes

Okaidja released his first album, \" The Traditionalist,\" in 2004.
Each track is his unique version of the traditional songs he gew up singing. The music illustrates the untouched rawness and emotions that are felt each time one hears the songs. This second album, \"Obutu Apla,\" ventures away from the strictly traditional and combines elements from myriad cultures such as Brazil, Cuba, and American Blues. Obutu Apla highlights Okaidja\'s impressive vocal abilities through his passion-filled lyrics about love and life.

Born and raised in Ghana, Okaidja began dancing and drumming at a young age. At the age 19, he was invited to join the Ghana Dance Ensemble at the university of Ghana\'s Institute of African Studies. During his career with the Ensemble Okaidja performed locally and internatinally. In 1999 he moved to the U.S. to promote Ghanaian music and culture. Okaidja travels throughout Oregon teaching dance, music and storytelling. In 2007 Okaidja co-wrote a song that he performed with the Portland Symphony.