Agya Koo Nimo urges Kwabena Kwabena to avoid hard liquor

Legendary highlife musician Agya Koo Nimo has shared important health advice with fellow highlife star Kwabena Kwabena, urging him to adopt better practices for maintaining his health, especially when it comes to alcohol consumption. During a recent visit to Agya Koo Nimo’s home in Kumasi, where Kwabena and his team paid a courtesy call over the weekend, the revered musician imparted wisdom based on his long life and successful career.

In a video that has since gone viral, Agya Koo Nimo, who is 94 years old, spoke directly to Kwabena Kwabena about the importance of caring for one’s body and the impact of lifestyle choices on long-term health. “Listen to me carefully. Do you know why I’ve lived to be 94? The first thing, Kwabena, is to respect our kidneys. Drink a lot of water to keep them clear. As for alcohol, you can have a little, but don’t overdo it,” Agya Koo Nimo advised.

Drawing from his own personal habits, Agya Koo Nimo explained that while he occasionally consumes alcohol, he has always been mindful of what he drinks, avoiding substances that might harm his health. “I sometimes have a bottle of beer, the bitter kind. But I avoid hard liquor. Hard liquor can ruin your voice, and your voice is your gift. I beg you, Kwabena, take good care of yourself,” he continued, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding one’s vocal cords as an artist.

This advice from the highlife icon carries significant weight, especially given Agya Koo Nimo’s long and illustrious career in the music industry. As someone who has enjoyed a remarkable lifespan, his perspective on health, especially in relation to music, is invaluable. Agya Koo Nimo’s cautionary message to Kwabena Kwabena reflects broader concerns about the health and well-being of musicians, especially in an industry where substance abuse has become a troubling issue.

Indeed, Agya Koo Nimo’s message resonates with the ongoing conversation surrounding the risks of substance abuse within the music industry. Notably, a few weeks ago, Kwabena Kwabena openly declared on UTV that he had made a conscious decision to eliminate all substances from his lifestyle that could potentially harm his health. This commitment is especially significant as Kwabena Kwabena has always looked up to Agya Koo Nimo, both as a mentor and a role model in his music journey. The elder’s advice undoubtedly reinforces the importance of health-conscious living, particularly for someone whose career depends on the quality of their voice.

Kwabena Kwabena, who has remained steadfast in preserving the authenticity of highlife music, has built a career that honors the genre’s roots. Over the years, he has released numerous hit songs, consistently upholding the legacy of highlife music while making sure to keep the genre relevant to modern audiences. His recent performance at the Vitamilk Love Night concert, held on February 14, 2025, at the Grand Arena of the Accra International Conference Centre, garnered significant praise. His energetic and captivating performance left a lasting impression on fans and industry stakeholders alike, underscoring his continued commitment to his craft.

As Kwabena Kwabena celebrates a major milestone—his 20th year in the music industry—he has announced plans for a series of special events and activities throughout 2025 to commemorate the achievement. His two-decade-long journey has been marked by his dedication to highlife music, and the upcoming celebrations will serve as a testament to his contributions to the genre.

In many ways, Agya Koo Nimo’s words serve as both a reflection of his own longevity and a reminder of the importance of health practices that ensure longevity in an artist’s career. By urging Kwabena Kwabena to respect his body, Agya Koo Nimo has offered invaluable advice, emphasizing that an artist’s greatest asset is their voice, which must be carefully preserved.

The relationship between Agya Koo Nimo and Kwabena Kwabena exemplifies the mentor-mentee bond that has shaped Ghana’s music industry. Agya Koo Nimo’s legacy as one of the pioneers of highlife music and palmwine music continues to inspire younger artists like Kwabena Kwabena, who looks to him not only for musical guidance but also for life lessons. Kwabena’s adherence to the advice, along with his decision to maintain a healthy lifestyle, reflects a growing awareness among musicians about the need to prioritize their health in order to sustain long, fruitful careers.

Kwabena Kwabena’s 20-year milestone, paired with Agya Koo Nimo’s enduring influence, marks a significant moment in Ghanaian music, where tradition meets innovation, and the value of health and well-being is placed at the forefront of artistic achievement.