The Cedar Presents
Gyedu-Blay Ambolley
with Obi Original and the Black Atlantics
Friday, October 2, 2026
Doors 7PM | Show 8PM
Standing | All Ages
This show is part of The Cedar's Global Roots Series, made possible in part by funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Marbrook Foundation, the Rosemary and David Good Foundation, and the hundreds of donors whose generosity helps sustain our programs each year.
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Gyedu-Blay Ambolley is a musical luminary hailing from Ghana, West Africa, with 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.
For the first time in the US, Gyedu-Blay Ambolley performs his 1975 debut album in its entirety! Bringing his 8-piece band from Ghana, they will perform the pioneering masterpiece Simigwa.
LISTEN
Gyedu-Blay Ambolley
Gyedu-Blay Ambolley is a musical luminary hailing from Ghana, West Africa, with 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.
Obi Original and the Black Atlantics
Obi Original is a visionary Afrobeats producer, songwriter, bandleader, and cultural curator whose work bridges continents, generations, and genres. Rooted in the timeless sounds of Nigerian highlife and inspired by legends like Oliver De Coque and Osadebe, he blends nostalgia with innovation—crafting music that honors tradition while pushing the boundaries of contemporary Afrocentric sound.
As the co-founder of Ozone Creations, a creative house dedicated to uplifting African diasporic artistry through music, events, and cultural programming, Obi has become a driving force in shaping the Afro-inspired music scene in Minneapolis and beyond. His mission centers on community, collaboration, and creating art with purpose—echoing the revolutionary spirit of Fela Kuti through music that carries messages of legacy, identity, and joy.
Obi’s dynamic stage presence and musical versatility have taken him across the world. He has toured internationally with global powerhouses Alicia Keys and Libianca, bringing his signature sound and electric energy to audiences on some of the biggest stages. Whether performing with The Black Atlantics, leading full-band highlife sessions, or producing genre-bending records, Obi Original continues to carve a unique lane defined by authenticity and artistry.
Now based in Minneapolis, he remains a pillar in the community—mentoring artists, hosting Afrocentric residencies, and building platforms that spotlight Black and African creativity. With an ever-growing catalog, unforgettable live performances, and a relentless drive to push culture forward, Obi Original stands as one of the most exciting voices in modern Afrobeats and diasporic music.
