George Mensah Essilfie (Gme)


Dr. George Mensah Essilfie (GME) is an iconic Ghanaian composer, music educator, digital artist, and mentor. His musical journey as a composer started at the age of 9.  With an innovative intercultural approach to his music compositions, GME's musical journey has taken him across continents – from Africa to the Caribbean, UK, and USA. Drawing from these diverse experiences, he explores the fusion of elements that define Art music and the rich traditions of Ghanaian music. Through his enthralling work, GME creates a harmonious tapestry of cultural expression that captivates audiences worldwide. GME's recent African stage musical, "Songs of Akotam," performed by the award-winning international choir, Harmonious Chorale in Ghana, held the audience spellbound, leaving a lasting impression on GME's artistry.


GME @ HC Rehearsals

A review of the musical "Songs of Akotam" by Jesse Johnson and Kwaku Frimpong

George Mensah Essilfie is one of Ghana’s most respected composers and choral directors. His direct and indirect influence within Ghana’s choral music community, as well as the renown he has won for himself globally, easily make him one of the most important figures to consider when attempting to understand Ghana’s serious music culture. After a long absence from the republic, Essilfie returned to Ghana to witness the premier of Songs of Akotam, an original musical he wrote and composed in 2019.

The musical was staged by Harmonious Chorale, under the stage direction of Johnson Edu and Samuel Arko Mensah, both professors at the University of Education in Winneba, as well as the choir’s founder, James Varrick Armaah. James was once a chorister and keyboardist with Essilfie’s Winneba Youth Choir, at one time Ghana’s most prominent youth choir. The event took place on Sunday 11th June at the National Theatre. Read More....


HOPE FOR THE SHACKLED

Composed for the 32 Bright Clouds project and received its World Premiere in Washington DC on January 24, 2019. It is connected to Beethoven’s Sonata no. 16 in G major, Op.31 No. 1.

​ Curated and performed by pianist Yael Weiss, an International Award-winning pianist. 32 composers selected from different countries. George Mensah Essilfie represented Ghana with his piano piece, "Hope for the Shackled." The piece is dedicated to those living with psychotic disorders and being physically bound up in faith-based camps in Ghana rather than receiving appropriate medical attention. 


KaLABasHi Event

The African Choral Experience That Wowed Its Audience

The Musical, Songs of Akotam

The village of Akotam loses its passion and music soul until tragedy strikes when a heartless Beast named Kakum captures their beloved Princess. The villagers unite to find a brave hero who embarks on a dangerous journey to rescue her, rekindling their music soul and camaraderie spirit. The musical, "SONGS of AKOTAM," was the highlight of the KALABASHI event held at the National Theatre, Accra on June 11, 2023. 

The musical featured the HARMONIOUS CHORALE, an International Award-Winning Choir conducted by James Varrick Armaah and was directed by Mr. Samuel Arko Mensah and Dr. Johnson Edu. Other performances during the event included The Dynamic Youth Choir, The Symphonials, Windy Choir, African Youth Choir, and African Glorious Choir.


Zamina Mina (Yeakoabao) - Arr. GME  (HC)

Yaa Amponsah - Arr. GME (HC)

Tuu Tuu Gbovi - Arr.  Gme (ONE VOICE)


Yesu Asoe Me - Gme (SYMPHO)

Everybody - Arr. GME (HC)

 Midzi Nyim Daa - Gme (SYMPHO)


CHORAL WORSHIP

Arr. by George Mensah Essilfie

A visit to Glorious Philharmonic Choir