Augustine Kofi Owusu Dua Anto (born 15 December 1978), known mononymously as KODA, was a Ghanaian Gospel singer, songwriter, record producer and multi-instrumentalist from Takoradi.
KODA was a multi-talented and dynamic gospel music minister with a very unique style of delivering contemporary Gospel music. He had been doing this for well over two decades, being behind the scenes for some major gospel hit songs and collaborating with some of the world’s finest.
KODA's style of music was unconventional. One can be sure to hear a unique groove of indigenous Ghanaian or some great African rhythm woven into some impressive Western music whenever they listened to a song produced by KODA. His message is purely Christian.
Sadly, KODA passed away on April 21, 2024, after battling kidney disease, leaving behind a rich legacy in Ghanaian gospel music.
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Early Life and Musical Development
KODA fell in love with musical instruments at a tender age. His mother enrolled him in a music class at the age of 10 where he developed his skills to play the guitar.
He went to the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) where he became the mass choir director of the university. KODA was also the music director and instrumentalist of the "Music Wing of Baptist Students Union", "KNUST's Simply Jazz Crew", "God's Instruments" and a leading member of "Da Project" which was a legendary Ghanaian contemporary gospel group then.
During his time with the group, he was adjudged “male vocalist of the year” at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA).
KODA- Amen
Career Beginnings and Production Work
After tertiary education, he co-wrote, mixed, mastered and produced the exceptional album, Awurade Ei for KNUST's "God's Instruments" at KODED studios, Takoradi, Ghana. The album received massive recognition in the country. It had great hits such as “Awurade Ei” (“Se Woma Wonsa Soa”), “Tumi” and “Onyame” Ye D’awase”.
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KODA also worked on Nii Okai's Moko Be and Gye W'ayeyi albums, gaining him prominence as a producer.
The Anointed Music Group
The Anointed is a music group formed by KODA and his friends based in Takoradi. The group has supported many gospel ministries in the country and overseas.
Albums and Hit Songs
KODA has four vocal and two gospel jazz albums to his credit. Nyame Beye which is the first and Waye Wie which had hits including "Waye Wie", "Zion's song", "Poma" and "Amen". His third album Black & White including the tracks "Guide Me O", "Nkwa Abodoo" and "Obiara Nte Se Wo", and the controversial "Nsem Pii".
In 2016, he released an album OXYGEN, featuring the songs "Adooso", "Yaa Pae" and "Chimo". In 2021, he released his 6th vocal album (‘Keteke’).
As a music tutor, he released a two instructional DVD on bass and lead guitar and also 3 live DVDs of his major concerts;’KODA live 2008′, Black and White live 2013′ and ‘Oxygen Live 2016″
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Discography
| Album Title | Notable Songs |
|---|---|
| Nyame Beye | - |
| Waye Wie | Waye Wie, Zion’s song, Poma, Amen |
| Black & White | Guide Me O, Nkwa Abodoo, Obiara Nte Se Wo, Nsem Pii |
| OXYGEN | Adooso, Yaa Pae, Chimo |
| Keteke | - |
Awards and Nominations
KODA, over the years, released songs that have blessed Ghana and the world at large and gone on to win some notable awards. Some of these awards are: “Record of the Year” for Nkwa Boodoo at the 2015 Ghana Music Awards; “Producer of the year” at the Africa Gospel Music Awards in 2014. He was nominated for this same award in 2012. His song “Nsem pii” was also nominated at the 2012 Christian Community Music Awards under the category “song with a cause.”
Personal Life
KODA is married to Ewurama Dua Anto, who also sings.
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