Rhythms of Life: Akan Music CD

In these performances from remote areas of central Ghana, the collective musical genius of everyday farmers, fisher-folk, traders, and civil servants bursts forth. Their singing and chanting move through a colorful palette of instruments including water drums, rectangular frame drums, side-blown horns, and brass bands. The only commercially available recording of Akan music. Includes a 28-page booklet with extensive notes and photos. 13 tracks.

This recording leaves the listener breathless and astounded by the musical richness of this small area of Africa. In these performances from remote areas of central Ghana, the collective musical genius of everyday farmers, fisher-folk, traders, and civil servants bursts forth. Their singing and chanting moves through a colorful palette of instruments including water drums, rectangular frame drums, side-blown horns, and brass bands. Clear, penetrating sounds of metal instruments offset by complex drumming patterns are framed by haunting vocals. Listeners are immersed in a kaleidoscope of sound. Thirteen tracks and a 28-page booklet including extensive notes and photos. This is the only commercially available recording of Akan music.


Culture Group(s) Efutu; Assin; Denkyira; Fanti
Keyword(s) Brass band music; World music
Instrument(s) Adawur ntaa; Afirikyiwa; Bass drum; Brass band; Cymbals; Drum; Drum, snare; Drum, tenor; Ensemble leader; Helicon; Horn, alto; Horn, baritone; Rattle; Talking drum; Tomtom; Trombone, valve; Trumpet; Tuba
Language(s) Akan; Awutu