Africa has produced a new generation of talented female singers. The best of these combine interesting ethnic musical forms with a true love and talent for performing. Princess Cynthia, widely known as Ghana's first lady of song, is one of these select few with her own unique style and creation of world Afro Pop music. She was born in the Port city of Takoradi, her father, a marine engineer, inspired her love of music when he brought home music from all his different Port of call. She grew up surrounded by rhythms of the world.
During her early years of education , her passion for music continued as she won frequent awards for her schools during the inter-school pop chain competitions so popular in Ghana then. Her interest in all aspects of stagecraft expressed itself from her acting in school theatrical presentations to making up student models during fashion shows.
Princess Cynthia completed her education with a degree in business studies at the Takoradi Polytechnic-but soon realized that a business career was not where her heart was. She chose to join the performing arts in the University of Ghana, where she did many stage productions with the Abibigroma Theatre Company.
In the early 80s, she joined her first group, the Marriott International Band, giving her chance to launch a serious music career. Her very first recording with this group brought her attention throughout Ghana via her hit song Akoma Edwe ( Cool Heart) establishing solid credential as both a singer and composer. A string of hits followed: You're in love, Kasade, Yente Ye Ho Ase. She won her first group award with the band by the ECRAG AWARDS of Ghana through her song Akoma Edwe. After three recordings and thousands of concert shows with the band, she left the group in search of a forum for the music she heard in her soul.
Rhythm of Africa, Princess Cynthia's first solo recording, marked the beginning of a new musical journey: for the first time, she was free to explore her own musical ideas. The result was a ground breaking melange of classic Ghanaian rhythms and melodies fused with western inspired sounds and harmonies, naming her music: World Afro Pop Music. Her eight original compositions and the videos inspired by them were well received throughout Africa and the West- the music was played in countries where no Ghanaian artist, let alone a female had gone before. This attention generated notable engagements in the USA and other parts of the world.
Success only intensified the flow of Princess Cynthia's creative river; she broadened her personal music fusion to combine the best of western soul with african soul, while continuing a tradition of excellence in song writing. The result was her next release, Okra Oteasefo- (the living soul). The CD had 10 new compositions. Soul dominated the music- both stylistic and spiritual. There was every kind of flavor, from funk to highlife to gospel.
Her latest album, which was released in 2004, entitled Esi Ano, did nothing but create more desire from her fans and audiences across Africa and the world. the album was filled with up-tempo, ballads as well as jazzy songs..if u will. princess aproached Esi Ano with up-to-date styles while infusing the Ghanaian language to give it that African touch needed.
Ghana's premier diva and Afro Pop legend continues to entertain while creating new music that surprises and delights. The new era of African music continues as Princess Cynthia leads Ghanaian music onto new ground with her heart opened to the world and her ear turned to the next millenium.