Twentieth century musical icon Nina Simone was an incredibly talented and empowering world-renowned musician. The engaging performer and passionate activist embraced her responsibility as an artist, “to make people feel on a deep level.” Since her passing in 2003, Nina Simone’s legacy lives on through her charitable trust that funds music education for children in Ghana and South Africa.

Music is central to Ghanaian culture; it unites communities as an expression of values, worship, celebration, and used for many events. Our Lady of Grace Senior High School’s (OLAG’s) Music & Culture Program was the gracious recipient of a grant to enhance music education and opportunities for cultural expression.

The Nina Simone Charitable Trust (NSCT) made a generous grant in the fall of 2024, dedicated to advancing OLAG’s Music & Culture Program. The Music & Culture Program continues to serve as a transformative force at OLAG, enhancing music education, strengthening cultural expression, and expanding opportunities for students and faculty alike. The grant helps provide musical equipment, instruments, facilities, and opportunities to develop a new generation of musicians at OLAG.

OLAG Student Scholarships

One of the highlights of the grant, is the opportunity to provide music scholarships at OLAG.

Five exceptional students received full scholarships covering tuition, room and board, instruction materials, and music training.

Theophiline Serwaa Andrews

Age 16, second-year voice student from Ejisu in the Ashanti region of Ghana.

Amalitinga Dymphyna Apegwine

Age 17, third-year voice student from Doba in the Northern region of Ghana.

Hoezade Lilian Elinam

Age 15, second-year voice student from Avenu Fedo in the Volta Region of Ghana.

Dominic Cheli, Guest Artist in Residence at OLAG

Thanks to support from the Nina Simone Charitable Trust, OLAG’s Music and Culture Program was able to host Dominic Cheli as the school’s first guest artist resident. The renowned U.S. pianist completed his week-long residency in Ghana at the end of October 2025, immersing himself into Ghanaian culture by working directly with students and performing a concert for the OLAG student body and surrounding community. He provided specialized work with piano students and side-by-side performances, and inspiring mentorship. Cheli’s visit concluded during OLAG’s mini-music festival, featuring the OLAG choir, Inspirational Band, dance troupes, and a student comedian. His concert served as a grand conclusion to the festival and a spirited illustration of the opportunities granted to the OLAG Music & Culture Program by the Nina Simone Charitable Trust.

Learn more about Dominic!

Amoah Kwame Twumasi

Age 15, second-year piano an dkeyboard student from Kwamo in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.

Photo credit: Dario Acosta

Kelvin Asante Anakwa

Age 18, third-year piano and keyboard student from Awutu Bowjiase in the Central Region of Ghana.

Dominic Cheli addressing the OLAG community during his concert at fall music festival.