Born in Accra, Ghana, January 15, 1936
Died in Portland, OR, September 13, 2012
[OH-boh AE-dee]
- Obo Addy was the son of a priest and medicine man of the Ga people of southern Ghana. He studied drumming from a young age and actively participated in ceremonies and rituals in his community.
- As a performing artist, Addy was particularly drawn to Highlife, a style of music that involved playing African rhythms on European instruments.
- In 1972, Addy and his brothers performed at the Olympic Games in Munich, Germany.
- In 1978, the musician emigrated to the United States, eventually settling in Portland, OR.1
- In addition to his performing and composing, Addy made a significant impact on bringing world music to Portland and surrounding areas. He taught at Lewis & Clark College, hosted weekly drumming classes at Lincoln High School in Portland, and, together with his wife, created the Homowo African Arts and Cultures.2
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Biography
Video lecture from the Oregon Historical Society