Dr. Paul T. Kwami

March 14, 1952–September 10, 2022

Paul

Theophilus Kwami was the third of seven children born to Mr. Theophilus Walter Kwami and Mrs. Monica Rosaline Kwami on March 14, 1952, in Amedzofe, located in the Volta Region of Ghana, West Africa. He attended elementary and middle schools in Amedzofe. He then attended Mawuli Secondary School in Ho, Akropong Presbyterian Teachers Training College, and The National Academy of Music in Ghana. He also taught at the Academy of Music. On December 23, 1982, Paul Kwami married Susanna Asare, and they were blessed with three children.

He migrated to the USA and enrolled at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, from 1983 through 1985. Paul T. Kwami had the honor and privilege to be selected as a Fisk Jubilee Singer®. He gained admission to Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he graduated with a Master of Music degree in 1987. Later he completed the Doctor of Musical Arts Degree (DMA) in Conducting at The American Conservatory of Music, Chicago Campus, in 2009.

In 1994, Dr. Paul T. Kwami was appointed The Director of the Fisk Jubilee Singers® and later became a fulltime faculty member of the Music Department at the university. A position he held until he passed away. He was the first African to direct the Fisk Jubilee Singers® and the first to hold the Curb-Beaman Chair position. Under his Directorship, the Fisk Jubilee Singers® won numerous awards, including a Dove Award, the Recording Academy Honors, and Induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. The Fisk Jubilee Singers® also received the 2008 National Medal of the Arts and, most recently, won their first GRAMMY on March 14, 2021.

On September 10, 2022, Paul, God’s humble and faithful servant, went to live in his eternal home in heaven. He is survived by his wife, Susanna, of nearly 40 years, his children, Paul E., Delali, and Rachel Kwami. As well as his siblings: Ruby, Patricia, Joan, and Dickson Kwami, along wit numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and many friends.