Support Master Drummer Rasta Edward Adu Ampim Greene After Stroke

Our dear brother, teacher, and friend, Rasta Edward Adu Ampim Greene, master drummer of the Saakumu Dance Troupe, has suffered a devastating stroke that has left him paralyzed on the left side of his body.

I first met Eddie in 2004 on my very first trip to Ghana. My mentor, Bernard Woma, introduced us simply by saying, “This is your guy.” And he was right. From that moment on, Eddie became one of my closest friends, a trusted teacher, musical collaborator and a guiding force in my life.

Over the years, we stayed deeply connected and worked toward a shared dream—bringing Eddie to the United States to share his culture, music, and spirit. In 2008, that dream became reality when he joined Saakumu’s first U.S. tour. That year, we performed 99 shows in 49 days, and Eddie was at the heart of it all.

From 2008 through 2025, Eddie has been the backbone of every Saakumu tour—the only member to travel on every single tour. His strength, consistency, humor, and mastery of the drum have impacted thousands of students, audiences, and communities across the country.

In 2024, Eddie collapsed while on tour. I rode in the ambulance with him to Buffalo General Hospital, where he spent five days being treated for dangerously unstable blood pressure. With proper medication from the U.S. and an extra 6 months in our home here in WNY, he was able to recover and return home.

This year, due to political uncertainty and a major loss of funding and institutional support, the Saakumu tour was canceled. Without access to the same consistent medical care and medication he received in the U.S., Eddie’s health declined—and he has now suffered this life-altering stroke.

We don’t know for certain if this could have been prevented. But we do know this:

Eddie is a father of five beautiful children; Edweena, Edwin, Edmond, George and baby Bernard.

He is family to so many of us—including my own children, who call him Uncle Eddie.

He has given his life to sharing culture, music, and joy with the world.

Now he needs us.

We are raising funds to support Eddie and his family in Ghana—covering medical care, rehabilitation, daily living expenses, and the support his children will need during this incredibly difficult time.

Any amount helps.

If you’ve ever been moved by the power of music, culture, and community—this is a chance to give back to someone who has given so much.

Please consider donating and sharing this campaign.

With love and gratitude,

Griffin Brady & the Slyboots / Dagara Music Center/Saakumu Family