UEW Honours Highlife Legend Pat Thomas at “SoundFlames” Performance Narrative
The Department of Music Education at the School of Creative Arts (SCA), University of Education, Winneba (UEW), has honoured Ghanaian highlife icon Pat Thomas for his outstanding contributions to the growth and global promotion of highlife music.
The recognition formed part of the Department's “SoundFlames” event dubbed "A Performance Narrative on the Life, Music and Legacy of the Legendary Pat Thomas: The Golden Voice of Africa." The event was held at the SCA Theatre on Friday, 12th June, 2026.
The invitation-only event attracted music enthusiasts, academics, students, traditional leaders and guests who filled the theatre. Throughout the evening, patrons were treated to captivating performances by the UEW Pop Ensemble. Their renditions of Pat Thomas' timeless classics transformed the auditorium into a vibrant celebration of Ghana's rich highlife heritage.
Chaired by Odeneho Ofosu Kwabi Ayebiahwe, the Paramount Chief of the Odau Traditional Area, the programme presented a carefully crafted performance narrative that chronicled the remarkable life and musical journey of Pat Thomas, born Nana Kwabena Amoh Mensah in Agona, Ashanti Region. Through music, narration and theatrical interpretation, the audience was taken through his humble beginnings, rise to prominence and enduring influence on generations of musicians.
The performance highlighted key milestones in the legendary musician's career, from his early days with the Broadway Band and later collaborations with celebrated musician Ebo Taylor, to his successful years as lead vocalist of the renowned Sweet Beans Band. It also showcased his international exploits and his role in sustaining and reinventing highlife music across different generations and continents.
The audience responded enthusiastically as the UEW Pop Ensemble delivered spirited performances of some of Pat Thomas' most celebrated songs, bringing to life themes of love, faith, resilience and everyday experiences that have defined his music for more than five decades.
In recognition of his immense contribution to Ghanaian music and culture, the Department of Music Education presented a commemorative plaque to Pat Thomas. The honour acknowledged his enduring legacy as one of Africa's most influential highlife voices and a cultural ambassador whose music continues to inspire musicians and audiences worldwide.
The highlight of the evening came when Pat Thomas himself took to the stage. Amid thunderous applause and excitement from the audience, the celebrated musician performed two of his popular songs, demonstrating the vocal brilliance and stage charisma that have earned him the title "The Golden Voice of Africa." Patrons rose to their feet, singing and dancing along as the performance brought the memorable event to a fitting and exhilarating close.
The “SoundFlames” production asserts UEW's commitment to preserving, promoting and celebrating Ghana's musical heritage while providing students and audience with opportunities to engage meaningfully with the lives and legacies of the nation's artistic icons.
