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Atongo Zimba was born on the savannahs of northern Ghana in 1967. His grandfather taught him how to build and play the koliko or molo, a two-stringed calabash lute and the first songs he learned were rooted firmly in tradition, dealing with everyday life in the countryside of northern Ghana's Bolgatanga region. He was also exposed to African popular music on the radio and was enthralled by the sounds of Fela Kuti s afrobeat. It was to have a seminal influence on his musical development. Atongos s own repertoire has also been informed by his countless encounters with musicians from a variety of traditions. His cover version of the polka classic "No Beer In Heaven" is a major hit in Ghana! Atongo Zimba quite simply loves to play music and, boy, does it show! What really catches your ear throughout one of his shows is that distinctive voice, alternately praising, cajoling, poking fun, criticizing, and caressing. Back home in Ghana, Zimba s hugely popular