Ras Minano and the Hope of Africa Band at Pat Thomas @ 80

On Saturday, September 26, 2026 the +233 Jazz Bar & Grill in Accra became the heartbeat of Ghana’s cultural soundscape. 

The occasion was monumental: the celebration of Pat Thomas the Golden Voice of Africa as he marked his 80th birthday. 

Backed by the legendary Bessa Band under the leadership of Bessa Simons the night unfolded as a living archive of Ghanaian Highlife, weaving together decades of rhythm, melody, and storytelling.  

Though the official lineup was dedicated to iconic Highlife  voices Ras Minano and his Hope of Africa Band performed award-winning songs Africa Oseeyeii, Womba and Let’s party resonated in spirit.

Known for their peace and reggae concerts across Accra Ras Minano’s artistry embodies the same cultural mission that Pat Thomas has carried for decades music as a force for unity healing and transformation. 

His reggae performances rooted in calls for justice and love, complement Highlife’s melodic storytelling, weaving Africa’s diverse rhythms into one voice of hope.  

The Lineup of Legends

The announced performers reflected the breadth of Ghana’s musical heritage:  

- Pat Thomas — Honoree and headliner, celebrated for his timeless voice and enduring legacy.  

- Gyedu-Blay Ambolley — The innovator of Simigwa, blending jazz, funk, and Highlife.  

- Amandzeba — A voice of cultural pride and African identity.  

- Akosua Agyepong — The queen of contemporary Highlife and dance.  

- Ben Brako — A master of lyrical storytelling.  

- Pozo Hayes — A stalwart of Ghana’s Highlife tradition.  

Adding generational depth were contemporary and Hiplife icons: Kwabena Kwabena, Obrafour, KK Fosu, and Wutah Afriyie, proving that Highlife’s spirit continues to inspire new voices.  

The “Pat Thomas @ 80” concert was more than a birthday celebration it was a cultural summit. It reminded audiences that Ghanaian music is not confined to entertainment; it is heritage, identity, and soul. Ras Minano’s peace-driven reggae, though not on the official bill symbolized the broader unity of African music traditions, echoing the message that whether through Highlife or reggae the drumbeat of Africa is one of resilience and love.  

As Pat Thomas stood at the center of this celebration, surrounded by legends and contemporary stars, the night affirmed a timeless truth: music rooted in heritage and love can bridge generations, cultures, and communities. 

Ras Minano’s journey of peace and Pat Thomas’s golden voice together remind us that Ghana’s music is a beacon of hope for the world.