The Cedar Presents
GYEDU-BLAY AMBOLLEY
Friday, October 2, 2026 / Doors: 7:00 PM / Show: 8:00 PM
All Ages
Standing
$27 Advance, $32 Day of Show
This is a general admission standing room show. To request seating or other accommodations, please go to our Access Page.
For Cedar-presented shows, online ticket sales typically end at 6:30pm. Then, based on availability, tickets will be available at the door. $1.00 ticket fee applies at the door.
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.