August 8, 2004: First Born Found.

From: Alfred Bannerman
Date: Monday, July 19, 2004 7:47 PM
Subject: Keith Pearson's email?

Dear Sir,

My name is Alfred Bannerman, the first child born on the Prempeh campus, whose christening you so graciously display on your website.

Your wonderful site, gave me the shock of my life when I saw myself as a baby, a photo I hadn't seen in more than 50 years. When my father left Prempeh he went to Abusco, Winneba, Cape Coast..etc, so many family pictures, including the christening were lost in transit.

When I was born on the Prempeh campus Keith must have been about 5years old. He was probably a playmate of my late brother Victor. Could I have his email add if you have it and if he wouldnt mind? I need to piece together the life of my late Dad C J Bannerman.

I myself now use the stage name Kari Bannerman - Guitarist of among others Osibisa and my band BOOMBAYA.

Regards,

Kari Bannerman

Alfred Clayton Bannerman, the first baby born on Prempeh soil, on the day of his "outdooring" (July 1st, 1951). The first kid went on to become Ghana's most renowned and versatile guitarist. Since his Osibisa days he has become the most sought after guitarist in Britain for both live performances and studio work. His list of international credits includes: Hugh Masekela, Peter Green, Alexander O'Neal, Ronnie Laws, Sister Sledge, Kojo Antwi, Carol Grimes, Claude Deppa, Nana Tsiboe, Alex Wilson and many more.

The first kid born on Prempeh soil is the one and only Kari Bannerman of Osibisa fame who has achieved international fame with his own band BOOMBAYA. Kari toured the world with Osibisa, recorded several albums with them, and was awarded a gold disc for Osibisa's 1981 tour of India. His film credit include composing the guitar score and playing for “Feet of Song” which won the British Film Institute Best Video Award in 1999 and Triangle, which was nominated for an OSCAR in 1995. He also composed and played guitar for the sound track of the film about the Rwanda disaster, commissioned by OXFARM.

Where Kari got his talents from. In this 1949 photo, the Headmaster addresses the sharply-dressed boys at Assembly. Assistant Headmaster, Mr. C.J. Bannerman, who was a gifted pianist, is seen playing the piano at Assembly. Which is why it is not surprising that the pioneer Assistant Headmaster's son went on to excel in music.

Deputy Headmaster Bannerman was behind the camera shooting the christening party. Alfred (being held by the mom) with Reverend and Mrs. Pearson and Keith Pearson (the first white baby born in Ashanti [in 1944]) as well as Alfred's older brother.

A close look at our Assistant Headmaster, the late Mr. CJ Bannerman with Mrs. and Rev. Pearson. He was to leave to become the first Headmaster of Abuakwa State College, an institution which he completely transformed.

This story encapsulates all that is exceptional about The Kings College. The Royal School is universally illustrious: not only do students trained at the school go on to achieve greatness, the children born there go on to become men of high-flying impact. A history-making and standard-bearing people.

Now, all we need from him is to have him perform at Sofoline so that Prempeh boys and all Amanfoo can enjoy. Where is the Entertainment Prefect when we need him? Until then, we have to listen to some of his songs at his website.