Shikome stands up for himself
Most people know him only as a percussionist who has played with some of the top bands in this country and also backed some of our best-known musicians in the studio and on stage but Justice Nii Adjiri Williams’ artistic capabilities stretch beyond just hitting on assorted percussion.
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Better known in music circles as Shikome, the man is also a singer, composer, arranger and dancer and says the time is ripe now for him to exhibit his full range of skills for all to see.
Adjudged the Best Instrumentalist for 2016 at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (GMA) last May, Shikome just came back from a tour of Holland and the United States with the El Foukr R’ Assembly music and film project led by Algerian filmmaker, Qualid Khelifi.
Other members of El Foukr are from Burkina Faso, Italy, Canada and Britain. Shikome said he enjoyed being part of the tour because there was room for him to showcase his multiple talents.
Shikome hails from James Town in Accra. His career took off with the Dza Tsui Cultural Troupe at Avernor in Accra around 1996.
He has since played with a long list of respected Ghanaian artistes including Amandzeba, Becca, Kwabena Kwabena, Gyedu Blay Ambolley, Paa Bobo, Kofi Sammy, Rex Omar, Kojo Antwi, Efya, Amakye Dede and Chistiana Love.
He has also been a member of bands like Megastar, Patchbay, Western Diamonds and Wind Afrique along the way.
Shikome has been working on his debut album since getting back from the international tour. Even before the album hits the market early next year, a show with him as the main attraction has been slated for November 5 at the Alliance Francaise in Accra.
“That’s an important gig for me because everyone would see my full artistic side. I have backed a whole lot of people for many years and I’m now standing up for myself with my own sensational stuff,” Shikome said.
His guests on the night would include Amandzeba, Dela Botri and Gyedu Blay Ambolley.