Peter Ntiri Somuah is a 22-year old Ghanaian trumpeter whose approach to playing the trumpet has caught the eye of music lovers in Accra. Against the backdrop of the Ghanaian music scene, which has been dominated by musicians concentrating on rap and/or vocal delivery over the last 20 years or so, Peter’s path as an upcoming trumpeter stands out. Peter is a hard-working musician with a humble attitude.
His playing style displays great technique as well as copious amounts of creativity and edginess. All indications are that Peter will go on to become one of Ghana’s brightest horns men. Hailing from a working-class home, Peter realised his musical abilities at a young age. Although his desire to pursue music was initially met with resistance, he persisted vigorously and is now lauded by family, friends and fans. Peter has steadily risen from his days as an amateur secondary school learner to a well-versed performer with a host of playing experience under his belt. At only 19 years old, he spent a year in China to perform around the country. His musical journey has subsequently taken him to various African and European countries. Among his performances were shows in Paris (New Morning) and Brussels (Bozart), as well as at Visa For Music in Morocco.
Back in Ghana now, Peter is a frequent performer at prestigious places like +233 jazz Bar and Grill, Alliance Française Accra and The Republic Bar. He has also featured at the Stanbic Jazz Festival and performed at various residences of Ambassadors in Accra. He plays with several musical groups, including Kyekyeku and Ghanalogue Highlife, GH Jazz Collective, Ohia Beye Ya and Frank Kissi & the Electric Band.
He brings deep genre knowledge of jazz, highlife, afrobeat and pop to each musical project, while at the same time eagerly picking up additional knowledge and experience. Peter’s influences include jazz greats such as Miles Davies, Dizzy Gillespie, Roy Hargrove and Arturo Sandoval, as well as African trumpet legends like Hugh Masekela, Mac Tontoh and Fela Kuti. He also likes to learn from contemporaries Victor Dey (piano) and Bernard Ayisa (saxophone). Currently Peter is preparing his first body of work in an album, which will include Ghanaian favourites performed in his own style as well as original compositions. The trumpeter is preparing his first headline concert: a tribute to jazz hero Roy Hargrove, who passed away recently.
Thinking of donating or supporting a good music cause? Connect with Peter Somuah on social media today @peter_somuah .You are cordially invited to see Peter perform druing the first quarter of this year as he has a number of dates confirmed in Accra. See @peter_somuah on social media for more info.