AB Crenstil Turns 70

Last Saturday, January 25 is likely to be a day highlife star, AB Crentsil will remember for the rest of his life as family, friends, colleague musicians and general well-wishers gathered at the Marjorie Y hotel at Community Six in Tema to help him mark his 70th birthday. There was a lot of food, drinks, smiles, laughter and of course, music that zoomed everyone present onto cloud nine for a night of immense fun. With wife Elizabeth constantly by his side and several grandchildren around who seemed elated by the whole affair, Crentsil majestically soaked in all the praises as well as prayers for long life, better health and more songs from his fruitful mind. The highlife legend didn�t move around much at the party, the reason being a bout of bad health that slowed him down a bit a couple of weeks ago. All the same, his mood was buoyant. When he stood behind the high table to play his trademark dondo and sing a few of his well-known songs, he seemed quite energetic and the guests happily sang along with him. His performance was accompanied by a collection of hands from his Ahenfo band. They knew all his songs very well and delighted guests with many more apart from those rendered with the big man himself on lead vocals. Some of the singers at the party, including Ben Brako, Felix Owusu, Ama Mensiwah, Bessa Simons, Della Hayes and Kojo Soboh of Rana fame, all took turns to sing for the man they regard as a great mentor. With emcee Papa Shamo ably in charge of the party, Crentsil cut cakes presented by his children and Imajin Advertising, organisers of the MTN Legends and Legacy (LAL) Ball which celebrated his contribution to music in this country late last year. As several bottles of champagne were popped and the bubbles flew into the cool night air, it was everyone�s wish at the party that AB Crentsil would live for many more years and continue to bless us all with his often funny but thought-provoking songs.