Name: GYEDU-BLAY AMBOLLEY
Start: 2026-10-02T20:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-10-02
Location: The Cedar Cultural Center

Gyedu-Blay Ambolley

GYEDU-BLAY AMBOLLEY

The Cedar Cultural Center

Tickets for this show are still available! The Cedar is transitioning ticketing platforms. Please visit thecedar.org/events for tickets.

The Cedar presentsGYEDU-BLAY AMBOLLEYFriday, October 2, 2026Doors: 7:00 PM / Show: 8:00 PMAll AgesStanding This is a general admission standing room show. To request seating or other accommodations, please go to our <a href="https://www.thecedar.org/access-services" title="https://www.thecedar.org/access-services" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Access Page</a>.For Cedar-presented shows, online ticket sales typically end at 6:30pm. Then, based on availability, tickets will be available at the door. $1.00 ticket fee applies at the door. This show is part of The Cedar's <a href="/global-roots" title="/global-roots" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Global Roots Series</a>, made possible in part by funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Marbrook Foundation, the Rosemary and David Good Foundation, and the hundreds of donors whose generosity helps sustain our programs each year.

ABOUT THIS SHOWGyedu-Blay Ambolley is a musical luminary hailing from Ghana, West Africa, with a staggering 29 albums under his belt. Known affectionately as the "Simigwa Do Man,” Ambolley’s musical journey began in the vibrant port city of Sekondi-Takoradi, in the Western Region of Ghana. For the first time in the US, Gyedu-Blay Ambolley performs his 1975 debut album in its entirety! Bringing his 8-piece band from Ghana, they will perform the pioneering masterpiece Simigwa.

Gyedu-Blay Ambolley is a musical luminary hailing from Ghana, West Africa, with a staggering 29 albums under his belt. Known affectionately as the "Simigwa Do Man,” Ambolley’s musical journey began in the vibrant port city of Sekondi-Takoradi, in the Western Region of Ghana. His early fascination with music blossomed into a lifelong passion. From mastering his father’s flute at the tender age of eight, to honing his guitar skills under the mentorship of “Uncle Bonku”, Sammy Lartey and Ebo Taylor, Ambolley’s musical odyssey has been nothing short of extraordinary.  This all led to Ambolley becoming a musical life force and exploding on the scene in 1973 with a jazzy highlife sound called 'SIMIGWA-DO'.  His name has become synonymous with Simigwa music and dance.Coming of age amidst the zenith of Ghana’s highlife era, Ambolley emerged as a pivotal figure in its evolution, lending his talents to esteemed bands such as Houghas Extraordinaires, Meridians Of Tema and Ghana Broadcasting Band. It was during this time that he caught the attention of his compatriot and friend, Ebo Taylor, who recruited Ambolley to be a member of the Uhuru Dance Band. This all lead to a transformative journey to Nigeria in 1973, where they shared the stage with the legendary Fela Kuti at his renowned Shrine venue. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gyedublay_official/?hl=en" title="https://www.instagram.com/gyedublay_official/?hl=en" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Learn more about Gyedu-Blay Ambolley here.</a>

GYEDU-BLAY AMBOLLEY

Performers