“It is time I shared the music that has been at the core of my very being for so long: music that I began playing at a young age, and which has progressed ever since”.
Born to a music loving and playing family in Accra, Ghana, Amand was greatly influenced by all he heard while growing up: James Brown, Ray Charles, The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Funkadelic and a long list of Soul and RnB artists and bands. Jazz influences like the Crusaders and Grover Washington also featured on Amand’s musical journey.
He first started playing the piano when he was 8, and discovered that if he could hum a tune, then he could also play the melody, more or less straightaway. He was developing an uncanny ear, and also great improvisational skills.
Later during his teenage years in the school canteen where there was a piano, Amand would take requests from friends who would gather around him for an impromptu sing-along. During that time, he also taught himself rhythm guitar and lead guitar, as well as how to play drums. “I have a lot of rhythm in my system, and it shows in how I play the various instruments”.
Amand began to take music more seriously as a session musician playing bass, probably his favourite instrument. He played for a few bands and studied Sound Engineering, which he then went on to teach for several years, steadily increasing his music production skills and capabilities. He even formed his own band. After a few years, Amand decided he would set up a recording studio, so that he could write, record and produce music for himself as well as for others, unhindered and to the best of his ability.
After successfully producing several tracks for various artists (recording, mixing and mastering) Amand decided to concentrate on an album, on which he played and recorded everything. He had also finally discovered he had his late mother’s talent for singing. She was a celebrated lead soprano in the church choir. Amand sings lead and backing vocals on all of his tracks.
There are not many musicians who can ‘do it all’, but Amand is one fine example. He has a huge talent and gift, not only in his playing and singing but also in the sheer quality of his work, which shines through the moment you listen to any of his music. The artistry he expresses is a joy to behold, and when you immerse yourself in his music you will find there are many jewels within it.
“I hope you enjoy listening to these songs as much as I have enjoyed making them. Now, it's time I shared them with everyone”.