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ArtDontSleep, Jazz Is Dead, and Port Chicago Alliance present:

International music legend Gyedu-Blay Ambolley joins Port Chicago Weekend in a powerful celebration of diasporic pride, resilience, and cultural empowerment.

A pioneer of Ghanaian highlife and Afro-jazz fusion, Gyedu Blay Ambolley’s music has long championed the spirit of liberation and self-determination—values deeply aligned with the legacy of the Port Chicago Sailors.

A musical luminary hailing from Ghana, West Africa, Ambolley has a staggering 29 albums under his belt. Known affectionately as the "Simigwa Do Man,” Ambolley’s musical journey began in the vibrant port city of Sekondi-Takoradi, in the Western Region of Ghana. His early fascination with music blossomed into a lifelong passion. From mastering his father’s flute at the tender age of eight, to honing his guitar skills under the mentorship of “Uncle Bonku”, Sammy Lartey and Ebo Taylor, Ambolley’s musical odyssey has been nothing short of extraordinary. This all led to Ambolley becoming a musical life force and exploding on the scene in 1973 with a jazzy highlife sound called 'SIMIGWA-DO'. His name has become synonymous with Simigwa music and dance.

Coming of age amidst the zenith of Ghana’s highlife era, Ambolley emerged as a pivotal figure in its evolution, lending his talents to esteemed bands such as Houghas Extraordinaires, Meridians Of Tema and Ghana Broadcasting Band. It was during this time that he caught the attention of his compatriot and friend, Ebo Taylor, who recruited Ambolley to be a member of the Uhuru Dance Band. This all lead to a transformative journey to Nigeria in 1973, where they shared the stage with the legendary Fela Kuti at his renowned Shrine venue.

Ambolley's voice amplifies the global call to honor Black service, reckon with injustice, and celebrate the enduring power of Black history and culture.

Find Location

The event will be held at Cornerstone Berkeley at:

2367 Shattuck Ave.
Berkeley, California 94704

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Contact Details

• Organizer Name: ArtDontSleep, Jazz Is Dead, UC Theatre
• Email: cornerstoneberkeley@gmail.com
• Phone: (510) 214-8600
• Website: www.cornerstoneberkeley.com