MyGhanaRoots.com

Music has, and always will play a huge part in Ghanaian society and can be linked to many ancient traditions throughout history. Today there is a huge following for the “Afrobeats” genre and for many younger generations in the western world, this is the first real opportunity to experience and embrace music from Africa.

The music we listen to today has evolved from a mix of the traditional Yoruba Instruments and chanting. Some of these ancient musical instruments and styles are still used in Ghana in conjunction with traditional dancers.

Ghana has many varied styles of traditional music due to the large variety of tribes and ethnic groups across the country.

Those from the Ga region are associated with the Kpanlogo which is a drum played with the hands.

The Ewe tribe are known for their traditional style of music called Borborbor. It links traditional drumming rhythms with proverbial lyrics, that are often about  religion . There is also a Borborbor dance which women do whilst dancing, singing  and you’ll often find women waving white handkerchiefs in the air!

The northern region of Ghana can also be linked to the Kologo, which is easiest described as a guitar with one or two strings.

Some of the instruments the Akan region is known for include the Prepensua, a box Piano with three to five notes made of bamboo or metal.

The Seperewa, which is a harp like instrument was used long before the acoustic guitar.

One of my personal favorites is the Atumpan, also known as the  talking drum of the Akan people. It is the favoured instrument to play the bass section of any musical arrangement  and is played using two sticks. Atumpan drummers are also highly respected within the community.

It is almost impossible to discuss the musical sounds from Ghana without mentioning “High Life”. The best way to describe “High Life” music is African sounds fused with jazz, calypso, lovers rock, classical,  soul and church music. The name “High Life” is said to have been formed because originally, this style of music was performed for the then ruling British Elite at lavish functions and for those enjoying the “high life”.

A classic “High Life” artist is Daddy Lumba:

Daddy Lumba’s - Aben wo ha

In the early 1990’s the emergence of a new musical style evolved called “Hip-Life”. The best way to describe “Hip Life” is “High life” mixed with American Rap or Hip Hop. This style came about at a time where American rap music and culture was heavily influencing West Africa.

This genre appealed primarily for the youth and was not just a musical style, more like a cultural statement, a  form of expression similar to the Hip Hop movement.  The elders disliked the majority of these songs and complained that they advocate open sexuality, drug use, gang culture and materialism.  

Reggie Rockstone was the pioneer of the “Hip Life” movement. Other popular “Hip Life” Artists include Tic Tac, Batman, Praye & Lord Kenya.

Reggie Rockstone – “Ah” 

Today “AfroBeats” is making a big impact on the music scene and is enjoying recognition not only in Ghana, but theUk and the world over!  Homage needs to be paid to the late Nigerian Legend Fela Kuti for creating  this new musical genre whilst in Ghana back in 1967. It took off in the 1970s when Fela began touring the US with his band‘Africa 70’. Back then, a large band would create a unique fusion of Jazz, Funk, High Life, blues, traditional drums and vocals of up to 30 backing singers! (most of them his wives!)

Fela Kuti & Africa 70 Perform Live (Berlin 1978)

Fast forward 40 years and we have the New Era of “Afrobeats”. Think African Dance music merged with sounds of Pop, Dancehall, and Highlife.  Some argue its attraction to the mainstream will lead to a loss of authenticity in order for it to go commercial.  Those more positive are just enjoying the fact that the world is embracing it and absorbing African culture at the same time.

Some of the musicians really ‘killing it on the scene’ include:

Dbanj, E.L, Sarkodie, Fuse ODG, Davido, Wizkid, Iyanya, Burna Boy, Brymo and Atumpan

A Club Favorite:

Fuse ODG Ft. Wyclef Jean - Antenna T.I.N.A (This Is New Africa)

Rising Stars: Kwamz and Flava 

Kwamz and Flava the dynamic, and talented duo have definitely set the pace for  Afro-beats manufactured in the UK . The young South-East Londoners begun by simply sharing their music on YouTube and have since gone on to complete a music tour around Ghana – shutting it down at the Ghana Rocks festival last year.

Their latest single Shine your eyes, received over 32k views in 4 months on YouTube. With the support of their loyal fans, these two surely have a promising future ahead of them!