Contributions towards the funeral services of the late Emmanuel Agbeli, 1972-2026. Donations collected and distributed by 501(c)(3) Double A Rhythm, David Locke, Founder. Emmanuel Agbeli American Funeral Contribution Committee: David Locke (Chair), Joe Galeota, Robert Levin, Ben Paulding.

Emmanuel Agbeli was one of the world’s foremost authorities on Ewe music and dance from Ghana. He served as the Director of the Dagbe Cultural Institute & Arts Centre, Ghana’s leading institution for the study of Ewe drum and dance. With over twenty-five years teaching experience, Emmanuel stood amongst the most accomplished educators of traditional music in Ghana.

Born and raised in the Volta Region of Ghana, Emmanuel began drumming at a young age under the tutelage of his father, Godwin Agbeli, founder of the Dagbe Cultural Institute. Emmanuel mastered the traditional Ewe repertoire—including Atsiagbekor, Adzogbo, Agbadza, Kinka, Gahu, and many more—and from an early age began sharing his knowledge with international researchers and students who came to study at Dagbe.

As a young man, Emmanuel moved to the capital city of Accra, where he expanded his musical experience and refined his skills performing with urban cultural troupes. Throughout his life, Emmanuel continued his research and fieldwork in Ewe music and dance, curating and documenting dozens of Ewe drum and dance performances. In addition to his mastery of drumming and dance, Emmanuel possessed deep knowledge of Ewe history, philosophy, proverbs, and visual art.

After the passing of his father, Mr. Godwin Agbeli, Emmanuel became Director of the Dagbe Cultural Institute & Arts Centre in 1998. For over 25 years, Emmanuel taught visiting music professors from international institutions such as Berklee College of Music, Bowling Green State University, Brandeis University, Montclair State University, Tennessee Tech University, ThisWorldMusic, Tufts University, University of Alabama, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, West Virginia University, and many more. At Dagbe, Emmanuel employed a staff of twenty drummers, dancers, singers, visual artists, cooks, cleaners, and security.

Emmanuel toured the United States five times, beginning in 2003. In traveling to the United States, Emmanuel aimed to share Ghanaian music and culture with international audiences, and to raise awareness for his work preserving and promoting Ewe traditions at Dagbe. In his trips to the United States, he presented residencies, workshops, and concerts at institutions including Brandeis University, Germantown Friends School, Montclair State University, State University of New York Binghamton, Swarthmore College, Temple University, Tennessee Tech University, Tufts University, University of Alabama, University of Virginia, Zumix.

Emmanuel Agbeli was a living embodiment of the Ewe artistic tradition that he carried so deeply. Continuing the legacy of his father, he led with clarity, authority, deep cultural knowledge, and a generous spirit of sharing. Emmanuel will be deeply missed by his students, staff, collaborators, family, and his ten children.