Exploring the Beats of Ghana’s Folk Music

I want you to take a minute and think of the sounds that you associate with African music.

I’m willing to bet that it was heavy on the drums with maybe some singing or chanting. That’s not an inaccurate mental image when it comes to Ghana – traditional, folk music centers around drumming and percussion and proverb-based songs.

A Variety of Drums

The djembe is perhaps the most well-known African drum. It originates from Mali, but has spread throughout West Africa. It’s kind of shaped like a goblet and the rope that holds the skin of the drum head taut are woven and wrapped around the top part.

There are, however, a wide variety of drums throughout Ghana. Some are specific to different ethnic groups, however nearly all of them come in may different sizes producing different pitches.

Drumming is rarely done by a solo individual. All the different sizes of drums are played together in an ensemble, creating a rich, rhythmic soundscape.

Music as Culture in Ghana

Throughout Ghana, you’ll find what are called culture groups. These are groups who have learned and practiced the traditional songs and dances to perform. Quite literally, the music and songs are considered the culture of Ghana.

These groups really rose to prominence after Ghana gained independence in 1957. It was a way for the people to embrace and reclaim their traditions in a post-colonial world. It also allowed for different ethnic groups to come together as one. In the post-colonial time, many rural people began to migrate to the cities, and people of different backgrounds mixed together, sharing their own music and songs.

Much of the preservation and sharing of the traditional songs can be attributed to Mustapha Tettey Addy. He was a Ga drummer and dancer in the 1960s at the University of Ghana. After finishing there, he traveled the country and spent several years learning from ethnic groups from around the country. In 1988, he founded the African Academy of Music and Arts in Kokrobite, a beach town outside of Accra. There he passed on his knowledge by training other drummers who have continued to carry on the traditions.

The Importance of Music in Ghana

The drumming and songs are a part of important traditions in Ghana. Weddings and funerals in particular, you will certainly find drumming. Festivals are sure to include lots of drumming and song. When events are held for national holidays, you can bet you will find a drum ensemble there, performing under a tent.

Drumming is also a part of informal life as well. Nearly every football match I’ve been to, there has been a group of the supporters drumming on the sidelines.

Here’s a pretty great video recording of drumming in Ghana — enjoy!