Early Life
Opoku Sanaa was born in 1985 in Kumasi, the capital of the Ashanti Region of Ghana, West Africa. He had his basic education in Accra. From there, he had his high school education at Accra Academy boy’s school. Then he furthered his education to the university at the University of Professional Studies where he had his degree in Marketing and a course in Chartered Institute of Marketing -UK (CIM-UK).
He was exposed to music at a very tender age and fell in love with the bass which he decided to pick up as his tool with which he will use to contribute to the musical world. His parents being Christians made him yearn to join the church band/instrumentalists. At the beginning, it was difficult because the culture of the society at that time did not allow for kids or youngsters to have their way in the presence of the elderly. He was constantly being pushed aside regardless of his talent and passion for the instrument but that didn’t stop him from pursuing his ambition of becoming a great musician and bass player.
With constant practice and dedication, alongside his persuasive habit of chasing the ‘those times’ well known bassists in order for them to teach him, coach him and mentor him made way for him to harness his skill and grow in the depth of his knowledge for the instrument and music. Listening wide to all kinds of music from all walks of life also contributed into his possession of a peculiar type of musical ears which he has built over the years.
Career
In 2008 the celebrated bassist and musician, Sanaa, was exposed to the musical industry in Ghana where he began to play for gospel artistes and touring all over the country. In 2010 he formed a team of musicians to join himself into a complete band called the PL Crew (Praise Levites Crew), made up of 7 members on drums, guitar, octapad, percussion, trumpets and the keyboards.
Himself and his team made a good image for themselves and became one of the most sought after musical bands in Ghana. He then began a music consultancy known as ‘Bass Phactory Music Consultancy’. This organisation is well known for their annual programme ‘Bass Clinic Music Seminar’ which specialises in bringing together musicians from various backgrounds together to learn and enjoy a musical experience. Their first edition was in 2011 and every year, he brought on board guest musicians and renowned personalities in the industry such as Sonnie Badu, Renowned lawyer Ace Anan Ankomah, Joe Mettle, Cwesi Oteng, Kaywa, Helen Yawson and others. Then he began also to compose music and produce music as well. With several years of experience and practice, his reputation became more and more popular and began to extend across the shores of the country.
In 2013 he got an endorsement deal with MTD Bass, which is an international bass guitar company which endorses other renowned bassists like Justin Raines (bass player for Israel Houghton), Robert Bobby Lewis (bass player for Snoop Dog, Lupe Fiasco), and Andrew Gauche (bass player for Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, Andre Crouch, Helen Baylor)
In 2014, he released his maiden single, ‘I Surrender All’ which he composed himself. Then followed it with ‘Greatest‘ and ‘God Can’ which he released in 2015. Then in 2016, he released his maiden album ‘SOUND OPTICS’ which included a collaboration with Nollywood actress and musician, Stella Damasus and her husband, Daniel Ademinokam, Cwesi Oteng, Joe Mettle, Giovanni and Trigmatic, with producers including, Kaywa, Koda, Shadrach Yawson (Shaa), Kpabitey Kofi, Junior Boateng, Dave Loopz and Reynolds the Gentleman.
In 2016, he moved to Dubai where he currently resides and works for Yamaha Music Gulf FZE.