Being a rising star from the West, Kofi Owusu Dua Anto, popularly referred to as “KODA,” shines in the industry with his mastery of sounds and rich lyrical songs blended with a divine voice.
He fell in love with musical instruments at a tender age and was subsequently enrolled in a music class at the age of 10, where he developed his skills to play the guitar.
KODA went to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where he became the mass choir director of the university.
He was also the music director and instrumentalist of the “Music Wing of the Baptist Students Union,” “Simply Jazz Crew” by KNUST, “God’s Instruments,” and a leading member of “Da Project,” which was a legendary Ghanaian contemporary gospel group then.
After tertiary, he co-wrote, mixed, mastered, and produced the exceptional album Awurade Ei for KNUST’s “God’s Instruments” at his KODED studios, based in Takoradi.
The album received massive recognition in the country. It had great hits such as “Awurade Ei” (“Se Woma Wonsa Soa”), “Tumi” and “Onyame” Ye D’awase”. He also worked on Nii Okai’s Moko Be and Gye W’ayeyi albums, which actually brought his name to the top as a producer.
After working at Spice FM in Takoradi as a presenter, he has also worked with and collaborated with many gospel musicians, including Diana Hamilton.
In 2015, the reverend musician won the Record of the Year awards at the Ghana Music Awards with his smash hit Nkwa Abodoo.
The song later broke records when he featured Nacee during a live performance, in which Nacee harmonized a twist version of the holy melody. He also won the Africa Gospel Music Awards in 2014 as producer of the year.
Among many award nominations, KODA is known for authentic sounds and exceptional singing, which comes in story telling. This story-telling gospel set him ahead of any other gospel musician in Ghana.
With hits like ‘Nsempii,’ ‘Nkwa Abodoo,’ ‘Yapai,’ and ‘Adorso’ to his credit, his music resonated deeply with audiences, inspiring hope and faith.
However, the celebrated star rising from the west dusked with the moon when he journeyed through the dew in the wee hours of Sunday, April 21, 2024.
KODA is believed to have died from kidney disease. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace!
Source: Ghana/MaxTV/MaxFM/max.com.gh/Joyceline Natally Cudjoe
