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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZDARKO, George(b '51, Akropong, Ghana) Guitarist, composer. Played fontonfrom (a large drum) as a child; began on guitar while in high school in Okuapeman. Worked as printer on leaving school; first electric guitar was a bass; changed to rhythm guitar '70, joined local band the Reborn Avengers; then lead guitar with the Soul Believers '72, infl. by Santana, Jimi Hendrix, Booker T; then with 4th Dimension made highlife hit "Ye De Nampa Aba'. While based in Kumasi with this group studied guitar with Konimo. Played in several bands in Ghana '70s, seeking to blend major infl. of Konimo and George Benson. To West Berlin '79 in search of better studio facilities; linked with others in short-lived Fire Connection; band soon re-emerged as Bus Stop, with Lee Dodou, vocals; Bob Fiscian, keyboards; Stephan Mills, sax; Sometimer, bass; Jagger, drums. First LP Friends '83 incl. "Akoe Te Brofo': fusion of highlife and funk a massive hit in Ghana, also got international interest; that year band reworked it in English; result "Highlife Time' became title track of second LP. Band toured Europe and USA '84, album and single also released on UK Oval label; three members left to form own group Kantata: their LP and single "Asiko'/"Duke' also on Oval. |