Album Notes

Kowanaso is a collection of exuberant, popular danceable songs and compositions from Saeed Abbas, the gifted young artist from Ghana, West Africa.

Saeed Abbas recorded his first solo CD, GyE NyamE in 2004 and now, Kowanaso is his second offering. Kowanaso is derived from a Ghanaian word meaning “loved by all.” In dance, it refers to exuberant rhythm and celebration.

Many of Abbas’ pieces are authentic urban and rural rhythms of his native Ghana. The haunting Midnight and Drumming Solo are original compositions. Fumé Fumé is credited to Mustapha Tettey Addy.

Saeed Abbas sings and plays all the parts himself with up to six overlays in a piece. He plays all drums, sometime three at once along with bells, shakers, flute, xylophone, and his favorite, the talking drum.

Saeed Abbas learned the Talking Drum as a child from his grandfather and the elders of the Hausa tribe. At 19, he auditioned into the premier Ghana Dance Ensemble soon becoming their master drummer. He has performed throughout the world for many dignitaries including Queen Elizabeth II, Tony Blair, and Bill and Hilary Clinton.