Atongo Zimba’s Incredible Musical Journey From a Ghanaian Village to Fela Kuti’s Shrine

Atongo Zimba, a renowned Ghanaian musician, recently shared his inspiring journey during an interview on 3Music TV's Big Conversation, captivating audiences with the tale of how his passion for music led him from his small village in Ghana to the famous shrine of Nigerian music legend, Fela Kuti. This is the story of a young boy who dared to dream big, carving a path through the world with nothing but his instrument and sheer determination.

At 15, Atongo Zimba left Ghana, fueled by his love for music and his desire to meet the legendary Fela Kuti. Without telling his family of his true intentions, Atongo Zimba embarked on a daring adventure to Lagos, Nigeria. “I just ran away,” he recalls, explaining how Fela’s music, which he heard on his father’s wooden radio, called him. With no mobile phones or internet back then, Atongo Zimba only had his ambition and his two-string instrument to guide him.

His journey was anything but easy. Atongo Zimba played his music at borders, earning enough money to cross from Ghana to Togo and then into Benin, mesmerizing border officials with his performances. It was through his music that Atongo Zimba found friends, food, and shelter along the way.

Arriving in Lagos, Atongo Zimba was determined to meet Fela Kuti. When he finally reached Ikeja, Fela’s base, he was welcomed by the band and eventually met the legendary musician. Atongo Zimba described the surreal moment when Fela saw him with his instrument and allowed him to stay among the band members. Though Atongo Zimba never got the chance to play alongside Fela, the experience was life-changing. Fela's nurturing spirit left a lasting impression on him.

The interview also offered insight into Atongo Zimba’s early life and how he came into music. He picked up his first instrument from his grandfather and always knew music was his destiny. Even as a schoolboy, Atongo Zimba was drawn to rhythm, often tapping his fingers on tables during lessons. His teachers quickly realized that this was no passing phase—Atongo Zimba was born to be a musician.

Today, Atongo Zimba’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that dreams are achievable with dedication, and that music, like life, knows no borders. His story, from a small village in Ghana to the vibrant streets of Lagos, inspires artistes and dreamers everywhere to follow their passion, no matter how impossible it may seem.