Eugene Zuta’s Tribute To KODA

MY TRIBUTE TO KODA [Part 1]

The Prelude

While the friendship between Nii Okai and Koda was blossoming in Cape Coast and Kumasi, I was growing up in a town called Asutsuare in the Greater Accra Region. It was there that God ignited a passion for music ministry in my heart. However, one of the challenges I faced was the lack of quality mentorship and opportunities to grow.

My vacations provided great opportunities to visit Accra, where I became part of Trinity Congregation of the Presbyterian Church in Dansoman. This church community played a vital role in shaping my early music ministry.

After completing school, I joined Mt. Olivet Methodist Church and became a member of Olivet Voices music ministry, the evangelistic youth music ministry wing of the church. It was there that I first heard about the accomplishments of KODA and Nii Okai in the campus music ministry scene from individuals like Uncle Felix Nyanor-Fosu, Bro Ben Arthur, and Bro Emma Ayifah Baah, who were all from POP Choir at KNUST. These stories, along with insights from my sister Vera Koomson from UCC, inspired me to set my sights on KNUST for my undergraduate studies. I was determined to join POP Choir, EXPLO, and KNUST MASS CHOIR, where I could learn from Koda and Nii Okai.

Therefore, it was a great disappointment when, after camping outside the KNUST administration for two weeks in 2001, hoping to be moved from the waiting list, I had to return home empty-handed. However, in hindsight, it wasn’t surprising—who chooses a school based on extracurricular activities rather than their course of study?

The following year, in 2002, I gained admission to UCC, where I joined GHAFES-UCC and became part of the Echoes of Calvary music ministry. One of my goals in joining a music ministry on campus was to ensure that UCC would also become a hub for music ministry excellence, akin to KNUST. So, in 2003, when my then Music Director, Nana Akrasi (now Dr. Akrasi Manu), added me to the Echoes of Calvary album production committee, I was overjoyed.

I eventually succeeded Nana Akrasi as MD in 2003, and before he left campus, we traveled to Takoradi to meet our producer for the project—guess who?…..KODA!!! I was so elated during the journey that sitting on the steps of the Takoradi bound STC bus, felt like sitting in the first-class cabin of a world-class carrier.

My Tribute to KODA [Part 2]

The Echoes of Calvary UCC Adventure( cont’d from part 1)

That trip to Takoradi was the first of many in 2003. I remember the many times I had encircled Market Circle looking for the right exit… ????

Anyway, we had a formidable album composition team: Bro Ben Adjei, Charlotte Newman, my brother and roommate Daniel Quadjo Appiah (who came up with the classic “Okufurobuɔ” phrase for the song “Nyame Ye Daa”). Later, this team expanded to include Evangeline Gbenartey and Asamoah Duodu Abbrey, to mention just a few. I carried our precious masterclass, class act, masterpiece album demo to Takoradi feeling proud ????, only to realize how wrong I was. The difference between the demo and the final work would be like day and night. ???? (This project was part of his “Kitchen Studio” stage)

One by one, KODA brought his musical Bezalel anointing to bear on each song, transforming them from “normal” compositions to life-giving harmonies, which became staples for choirs all over and enriched the worship of the church as a whole. At a time when there were not many to champion the music production revival for campus ministry, KODA rose as a colossus to the occasion. As a first-class natural resources graduate from a prestigious university like KNUST, KODA chose music ministry and specifically production out of obedience to God’s divine calling in that regard.

Apart from the engineering, KODA played most of, if not all, the instruments for the songs on the album. From “Da Nase” to “Okasa,” “Adea Wayɛ,” “Calvary Bepow,” “Mawu Gbagbe”, and “Nyame Ye Daa”(Okufrobuɔ) among others, each song became a classic under the Midas touch of a genius anointed for the purpose. KODA also put his years of experience in leading music ministries on campus at my disposal, which enabled me to navigate many challenges in my own leadership. This was the background for the 21 years of friendship and partnership we have shared.

On 23rd December 2003, we traveled to Tema, where KODA handed me over to his elder brother in ministry, Rev. Nii Okai to continue my “music ministry mentorship program”. This was the final fulfillment of my earlier dream of meeting and learning from these two vessels of the Lord, something I have cherished and held dear till today. That same day, I got drafted into Nii Okai’s backing team, Virtuous, and had the privilege of joining the team for the official launch of the iconic “Moko Bɛ” album on 24th December 2003 at St. Paul’s Methodist Cathedral, Tema.

Picture: Me at KODA’s “Hen Coup” studio at T’adi pretending I was learning sound engineering????

Title: MY TRIBUTE TO KODA [Final Part 3]

EZ Music

In 2006, the Lord began inspiring me with the songs that would eventually comprise my debut album, “Woyɛ Onyame” (You Are God). I recorded the demo with the assistance of my brothers, Emma Afum and Kofi Ogoe, at the basement of Mt. Olivet Methodist Church, Dansoman.

After reviewing the demo, Nii Okai contacted KODA, and work commenced. Apart from the initial seed from my roommate, Rev. William Nana Danso at UCC, Mr. and Mrs. Ayifah Baah, and my modest national service allowance, I lacked funds and an executive producer. Throughout the project and beyond, KODA generously shared his room and food with me. Eventually, we completed the album, which spawned songs like “Fa Me Yɛ,” “Yɛ Bɔ Som Wo,” “Ampara,” etc. Similar to the Echoes of Calvary project, KODA was responsible for the entirety of the sound of the album. Through his dedication, the young man from Asutsuare became a recording artist.

The album was launched on 8th March 2008, and thankfully, we were able to fully compensate him for his contributions.

In 2012, when he suggested a live recording, I initially hesitated due to the significant budget and associated risks, as it was uncharted territory at the time. He persisted, urging me to seek divine guidance. “Zut! Go and pray about it and let’s see what Papa would say,” he encouraged me. That’s how he challenged my faith to believe in God for the impossible! Together, KODA and MD Henry Datsomor (a story for another day) co-produced the Adoration album, which became home to “Wo So”(Yesueeee) and other songs that enriched the kingdom.

Many notable occurrences marked that second album, but one unforgettable moment was the Tilapia bone incident. Unbeknownst to anyone, on Thursday 8th November 2011, just three days before the recording, I accidentally swallowed a Tilapia bone while eating Fufu and Tilapia soup, resulting in significant injury to my vocal cords. This affected my performance on the night of the recording. KODA summoned me to Takoradi and patiently guided me through re-recording every affected part of the lead vocals (which was quite extensive). These and the other four musical albums or projects he fully or partially produced for me, bear witness to the grace he carried.

I could elaborate further, but let me conclude here so that others can also share their experiences.

KODA was deeply spiritual and sought God’s guidance in all endeavors. Spending time with him would often involve hearing phrases like “Papa says…” or “Let me pray about it and see…”

A loyal friend, KODA would never betray a friend, not even an adversary.

A prophet, he often shared insights into God’s will, which found expression in many of his compositions.

His humor was infectious. Who else would affectionately call me “Zuta with a Butaaaaaaaa”?

A man of conviction, he remained steadfast in his belief that God wanted him in Takoradi, inspiring many of us to consider it our second home.

A brother, always ready to lend an ear and a shoulder to cry on. When I had “broken heart”, he asked me to come over so we cry together????…..and he actually handed me tissues????

Bro. Kofi, your little brother here. Please say “hi” to Apostles Peter and Paul for me! And to Papa King David, too. Together with all the brethren, we will continue the work. Looking forward to seeing you on resurrection morning.

Farewell.

Eugene

[Pic: Presented a plaque of honor to KODA at Adoration 2019 in recognition of his support for my ministry]

#KODA #kodatribute #tribute #weforgetnot

Source: Eugene Zuta

Published by: Clement Afreh CBCInc Hypes @clementafreh