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A Brief History Of Ghana Music

By Imelda Reid


When it comes to music, there are several genres. This could not be more true when it comes to Ghana music. Ghanian melodies can be very diverse depending on what part of the country an individual may be in at the time.

Different parts of country have musicians which have produced and distributed material on Blu Rays, DVDs, VHS tapes, CDs and Vinyl. Styles are very different in different parts of the country. For example, Sahelian style features melody and stringed instruments. Whereas, the North and South are more prone to percussion than wind or string instruments.

Notes flow almost effortlessly thanks to the chromatic and pentatonic scales used in Northern and Southern Ghana. Chanting, praise-singing and story telling are all essential to the people and identity of these areas. Whereas, other areas are more prone to rhythmic beats surrounding by the softness of strings and at times, voice.

Set to a chromatic and pentatonic scale, melody plays a major role in different arrangements. Vocal styles are also an important element. One reason why the praise singing and griot traditions remain alive and well in the region.

Coastal styles are often associated with social functions. These style rhythms rely on complex patterns played on bells and drums. Like many other parts of Africa, there is also a strong correlation between drum and dance. One of the most popular attractions at many festivals and shows in the United States and around the world are that of African drummers and dancers from Ghana.

Religion in the area is also associated with coastal tunes. With one exception, the music is of a chanting, storytelling or vocal accompanied by harp-lute which is a derivative of the stringed harp. The most well known drums in the region are of that of the adowa and kete with bells. While this music may be associated with different religions, it should be noted it is the religion that sought out the religion and not vice versa.

Ghana won her independence in 1957. Ghana while rich with Caribbean flavor, still retains its own musical identity. The 20th century saw the onset of pop. A style that became known as High-life became quite popular. Pop-dance has been quite popular since the 70s. Like many other genres, it too has been known by many different names over the years.

Highlife and HipLife have been quite successful with regards to downloads, album sales and shows. Dance Pop and other rhythms have once again pretty much taken over the region. One of the most promising of success stories on the Ghanian scene is that of Osibisa's Afro-rock which also became quite active and well known in the late 1970s.

During the depression and years following, the clubs stayed fairly active and hopping. The popular years for electric guitar and dance-pop were mostly in the 70s. At least that is the case until German-Highlife took over with Burger-Highlife and other forms which are still popular. The Burger-Highlife, Dance Pop and German-Highlife are often some of the most influential and listened to music in and outside Ghana.




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