UEW Invites Odaumanhene to Pat Thomas Highlife Tribute Event
A delegation from the Department of Music Education at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) paid a courtesy call on His Royal Majesty Odeneho Ofosu Kwabi Ayebiahwe, the Paramount Chief of the Odaau Traditional Area.
The visit was to officially invite him as Special Guest for the upcoming Soundflames: A Performance Narrative of Life, Music, Legacy and Contributions of Legendary Pat Thomas to the Development of Highlife Music.
The delegation, led by Prof. Mark-Millas Fish, the Head of Department, visited the palace to seek the blessings and support of the revered traditional ruler ahead of the event. The event is due to take place on Friday, 12th June, 2026, at the School of Creative Arts (SCA) Theatre on the UEW Central Campus.
During the visit, the delegation briefed the Paramount Chief on the objectives of the programme, explaining that the event forms part of the Department's efforts to celebrate and honour distinguished Ghanaian musicians whose contributions have significantly shaped the growth and evolution of Ghana's popular music industry, particularly highlife music.
Odeneho Ofosu Kwabi Ayebiahwe commended the Department of Music Education for the initiative and expressed appreciation for the honour of being invited to serve as a Special Guest at the event. He described the programme as a laudable effort to preserve Ghana's rich musical heritage and wished the organisers success in their preparations.
Prof. Fish reiterated the Department's respect for traditional leadership and acknowledged the Paramount Chief's continued support for cultural and artistic development within the community. He noted that the Department remains committed to promoting Ghanaian music and culture through scholarship, performance and community engagement.
He expressed confidence that the presence of the Odaumanhene at the event would add significance to the occasion and strengthen the bond between music, culture and community values.
Soundflames is expected to bring together musicians, academics, students, cultural enthusiasts, the University community and members of the public to celebrate the life, legacy and enduring contributions of legendary highlife musician Pat Thomas to Ghana's music industry.
