Biography of KODA (Kofi Owusu Dua Anto).

Kofi Owusu Dua Anto, also known by his stage as KODA, was a Ghanaian gospel singer, composer, record producer, and multi-instrumentalist from Takoradi. She lived from December 1978 to April 21, 2024.

Childhood and schooling

KODA developed an early interest in musical instruments. When he was ten years old, his mother signed him up for a music program where he improved his guitar playing. He attended Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where he was appointed the university’s mass choir director.

In addition, KODA served as the music director and main instrumentalist for the following groups: “Music Wing of Baptist Students Union,” “KNUST’s Simply Jazz Crew,” “God’s Instruments,” and a prominent member of the renowned Ghanaian modern gospel group “Da Project” at the time.

He co-wrote, mixed, mastered, and produced the outstanding album Awurade Ei for KNUST’s “God’s Instruments” at KODED Studios in Takoradi, Ghana, following his postsecondary education. The record was well acclaimed around the nation. “Awurade Ei” (“Se Woma Wonsa Soa”), “Tumi,” and “Onyame” Ye D’awase” were among its top hits.

Career in music

Additionally, KODA produced Nii Okai’s albums Moko Be and Gye W’ayeyi, which launched his career as a producer. Nii Okai, “Pastor Joseph Gyebi,” Danny Nettey, Pastor Joe Beecham, “Daughters of Glorious Jesus,” “Joyful Way Inc.”, Pastor Helen Yawson, Yaw Osei-Owusu, “Ike Nanor,” Eugene Zuta, Jesse Jenkins, Diana Hamilton, and Calvis Hammond are just a few of the gospel musicians that KODA has collaborated with both inside and outside of Ghana.

KODA and his friends founded the Takoradi-based band The Anointed. The group has provided funding to numerous gospel ministries both domestically and abroad.

KODA’s discography includes two gospel jazz and four vocal albums. “Waye Wie,” which had singles including “Waye Wie,” “Zion’s song,” “Poma,” “Amen,” and others, and “Nyame Beye,” which is the first. Numerous singles from his third album, “Black & White,” including the contentious “Nsem Pii” single, were hits, including “Guide Me O,” “Nkwa Abodoo,” and “Obiara Nte Se Wo.” His album “OXYGEN,” which included songs like “Adooso,” “Yaa Pae,” and “Chimo,” was published in 2016.

He released “Keteke,” his sixth vocal album, in 2021. ‘KODA Live 2008’, ‘Black and White Live 2013’, and ‘Oxygen Live 2016’ are three live DVDs featuring his big shows. He has also released two instructional DVDs on bass and lead guitar as a music instructor.

Individual life and demise

The singer Ewurama Dua Anto was KODA’s wife. Their three kids were a daughter and two sons. KODA passed away on April 21, 2024, at the age of 45, after a brief illness.

spouse and kids

KODA’s marriage to Ewurama Dua Anto, a fellow music enthusiast, defined his personal life. They had three kids together.

His Music Journey

KODA was actively involved in several musical organizations while attending KNUST, such as “KNUST’s Simply Jazz Crew” and the “Music Wing of the Baptist Students Union.”

Additionally, he was a key member of “Da Project,” a well-known Ghanaian modern gospel ensemble. When he co-wrote and produced the album “Awurade Ei” for KNUST’s “God’s Instruments,” which received national notice, his skill as a musician and producer was evident. KODA’s career took off as he worked with several gospel musicians both domestically and abroad, contributing to albums and endorsing many gospel projects through

He started a band called “The Anointed” with several mates.
KODA issued several CDs during his career, all of which demonstrated his range as a musician and his poignant lyrics. His albums “Nyame Beye,” “Waye Wie,” “Black & White,” and “Oxygen” are a few of his notes. Hits from these albums, like “Guide Me O,” “Nkwa Abodoo,” and “Adooso,” struck a powerful chord with listeners. To further solidify his reputation in the music business, KODA also released instructional DVDs on lead and bass guitar, sharing his knowledge as a music teacher.

Awards and Nominations

KODA was honored for his extraordinary talent and contributions to gospel music for his career. He received honors including Producer of the Year from the Africa Gospel Music Awards and Record of the Year from the Ghana Music Awards.

He was also nominated for major accolades such as the Africa Gospel Music accolades and the Christian Community Music Awards, which demonstrated the broad recognition of his work.