Ghanaian musicians died at 54
Here are 1 famous musicians from Ghana died at 54:
Joe de Graft
Joe de Graft (April 2, 1924 Cape Coast-November 1, 1978) a.k.a. J. C. De Graft, Joe De Graft, Joseph Coleman de Graft or Joe Coleman de Graft was a Ghanaian playwright. He had three children, Kweku de Graft, Carol de Graft and Joseph de Graft.
De Graft was born in Cape Coast, Ghana on April 2, 1924. He received his education at Achimota School, where he later became a teacher. He went on to study at the University of London, where he earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in English literature.
De Graft is best known for his plays, which often addressed social issues and political themes. Some of his notable works include "The Two Dwarfs," "The Promise," "Son of Umbele," and "His Worshipful Majesty." In addition to his work as a playwright, De Graft was also a teacher, and he taught at various institutions in Ghana and Nigeria.
De Graft died on November 1, 1978, at the age of 54. His legacy continues to live on in the world of Ghanaian literature, and his plays continue to be performed both in Ghana and abroad.
De Graft was also heavily involved in the Ghanaian independence movement during the 1950s and 1960s, and his plays often reflected his political activism. He was a close friend of Ghana's first president, Kwame Nkrumah, and his works were often performed to celebrate national holidays and other important events.
Despite facing censorship and government scrutiny, De Graft continued to write and produce plays throughout his career, and he was recognized for his contributions to Ghanaian literature with numerous awards and honors. Among his accolades were the Grand Medal of Ghana, which he received in 1961, and the Order of the Volta, which was awarded to him posthumously in 2007.
De Graft's plays remain an important part of Ghana's cultural heritage, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of Ghanaian writers and intellectuals. His contributions to the country's literature and culture have helped shape Ghana's national identity and have left an indelible mark on the world of African literature as a whole.
De Graft was also a translator, and he translated several literary works from other languages into English. He was fluent in several languages, including Fante, Twi, and Ewe, and this allowed him to access a wide range of literary works from different parts of Ghana and beyond. He also worked as a journalist, writing for newspapers and magazines in Ghana and Nigeria.
De Graft was a founding member of the Ghana Drama Guild, which was established in 1957 to promote theater in Ghana. He was also a member of the African Writers' Association and the Pan-African Writers' Association. He was a strong advocate for African arts and culture, and he believed that African writers and intellectuals had an important role to play in shaping the continent's future.
In addition to his literary and political activities, De Graft was also a committed family man. He was married to Mary de Graft, who was a teacher and a fellow member of the Ghana Drama Guild. They had three children together, and De Graft was known for his love and devotion to his family.
Today, De Graft is remembered as one of Ghana's greatest literary figures, and his plays continue to be performed and studied by scholars and theater practitioners around the world. His legacy as an artist, activist, and educator is a testament to his enduring importance in the history of Ghana and the wider African continent.
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