Uncle,

It was with a heavy heart seeing go through the dying process.You are a real man because you really fought.My children,I and your sister Christie will forever remember you for your kindness,encouragement and your lovely jokes.You were always proud of me and my profession.

as you tread the Verge of Jordan,maythe fiery cloudy pillar land you safe on Canaan's side.Rest in Perfect Peace from Veronica Antwi Darkwa and children.

In 1973, I met Komla in a small eating place on the first day of arrival at the University Of Pittsburgh.. I had accepted a Teaching Assistant Position at the University while I pursued doctorate degree in Ethnomusicology. As I was paying for my meal, Komla arrived at the same time to pay for his meal. As we talked we found out that we were both were  in the same program at Pitt. The program was under the direction of Dr. Nathan Davis, a great jazz musician and scholar who created internationally known jazz seminars and concerts at the university. 
 
During our course of studies, we became close friends. He finished ahead of me  and found employment. I later finished and returned to my home town to accept the position of Supervisor of Music for the Caddo Parish School System. A part of my responsibility was to evaluate textbooks for State adoption. As I reviewed books, I came across a book titled "WE SHARE MUSic". When I reached the 3rd grade level of the book, I saw a picture of Komla Amoaku. I recognized him but there was no information about him. When I reached the 5th grade level there was a full page photo of him in his full African regalia and drums. I nearly jumped out of my seat.


I mediately called the Pitts' music department to see if I locate Komla. I was later told that he was a Howard Unversity. I called told him what I had seen in the book and that it was related to the Orff-Kodaly Music Program that we were considering for State adoption. He told that he had done some work for Carl and Mary Orff for the book. Immediately asked if he could come to Shreveport and do a workshop for the teachers. He said yes!


I immediately secured the funding, set date and secured two days for music teachers to attend. Komla came and knocked everybody out. He was very effective in his demonstrations and the teachers loved him. While there he stayed in my home with my family. Later that day I took him to a proprietary music school that my father and I owned and had him play for my father who was a jazz pianist. Later that evening we had him to play for one of the classes and again he knocked everyone out.


My father and I decided that we wanted the community to hear Komla perform. On a very short notice we secured the Riverfront Center for a one night performance. We added our inhouse 18 piece jazz ensemble to play with him. We made one day announcements in radio, and newspaper about the performance. The teachers and told their students to bring their parents.


The River Center crowd was standing room only. We opened with the big band and Komla on African drums, seated in front of the band. This was just a teaser opener. On the second selection Komla was featured alone. He was fantastic. I had never heard drums played like that. At times, it sounded as though more than five persons were performing simtaneously. It was an amazing performance. Komla was very talented, very smart and humble. He will be missed.
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We interviewed Professor Amoaku at his house in Ho in August 2010 for our documentary film "Sounds from Ghana". Appart from the fact that he has given us great tips as well as  thoughtfull and valuable input for the film, he has also been such a warm and welcoming host and incredible gentle man! May his soul rest in peace.
We will never forget him !

Jochen Schell
Lucía Arias Ballesteros

Sublime World Productions.