Sample video of Ghanaian traditional music theghanaproject2013 2014-03-11 | Working with Ghanaian musician Ko Nimo, our aim is to help preserve some of the important cultural musical traditions from Ghana, West Africa.This first video is a short sample of traditional music recorded in Ghana 2013/14 as part of a self funded, self initiated project. The project came about largely in response to Ko Nimo lamenting the loss of traditional music as the old people pass on, or as he puts it 'the libraries are burning'. Ko Nimo is Uncle, mentor and friend to us and we all owe him enormously.This video is great to show students in school settings. It has captured the imagination of many age groups, from 4 years up! There is much unique footage here that would be new to many.We will be continuing to post further videos of the artists we worked with.
Tonaa Music - with introduction by Ko Nimo theghanaproject2013 2023-10-21 | Ko Nimo speaks about the history and significance of Tonaa music at the start of this video. We spent many hours in July and August 2023 sitting with him to capture his rich musical, cultural, and historical insights into the music we recorded 10 years ago. Ko Nimo was so thrilled to spend time on this project again and we were so happy to reunite and continue the work. More to come ...
Kete - Adamua Bua theghanaproject2013 2019-03-07 | Kete is music that, in the past was played in the Ashanti Royal Court for events such as funerals, Durbahs and festivals. In this particular Kete piece, Adumua Bua, the dancers are Patrick Oduro Agyeman (Moro) and Faustina Acheampong. Adumuo Buo was a favourite piece of the Ashanti King, Mensa Bonsu and the piece was often played as a processional piece and at Durbahs. Mensa Bonsu became the 10th King of the Kingdom of Ashanti in 1874.
Kete Adaban theghanaproject2013 2018-01-06 | Kete music is the traditional court music from the Ashanti region in Ghana, West Africa. Adaban (and other Kete music) was originally only played in the royal court for specific purposes but now it can be heard played at funerals and other social occasions. The red and black cloth on the drums is specific to the Kete orchestra.
Kete Songs: Ko Nimo and Sammy Kwegyir theghanaproject2013 2018-01-06 | Kete is traditional court music from the Ashanti region in Ghana, West Africa.
Interview - Ko Nimo and Maame Donkor theghanaproject2013 2017-04-09 | Ko Nimo interviews Mame Donkor, Nnwomkoro singer in Kumasi, Ghana 2014. Maame Donkor is a highly regarded nnwomkoro singer who was very helpful during our project with Ko. She has one of the largest repertoires of nnwomkoro songs and luckily has been teaching her daughters these songs. Many thanks to her and her lovely family for their generosity and willingness to help with his project.
Interview - Asafo music theghanaproject2013 2017-04-09 | Sammy Kwegyir interviews his father in his home town of Obohen, Ghana. Libation is poured at the end of the interview. English translation may follow. Please forgive the sometimes out of focus shots.
Asafo track 2 theghanaproject2013 2017-04-09 | This is the second of 4 tracks we recorded of the Asafo music. Thanks to these fabulous musicians for helping us archive this music. I need to make contact with the group again so I can put some detailed info up about the pieces ... life gets in the way!!
Asafo theghanaproject2013 2016-04-10 | Asafo is a Fante military group and there is a particular repertoire of music that is associated with Asafo.
Mpre - Ayigya Mesiriwa Kuo theghanaproject2013 2014-04-08 | Mpre is an old song style that would traditionally be sung by the old women in the community during a long funeral wake. It has been said that the style emerged as old women sang to help keep them awake during the vigil. Traditionally, mpre was unaccompanied and songs could be in praise of the deceased, sorrow at their passing and happiness that the deceased person has passed into the world of the ancestors.The links between mpre singing and the Asante Adowa dance drumming is made in this research paper below.Moss, Katherine, "Adowa: Funeral Dance Of Asante As A Vehicle To Express Ethnic Identity" (1998). African Diaspora ISPs. Paper 62.http://digitalcollections.sit.edu/african_diaspora_isp/62
Osei Kwame Korankye - sings praise song with seperewa theghanaproject2013 2014-04-01 | Osei Kwame Korankye is considered to be one of the leading exponents of the seperewa. More information about this instrument and Osei Kwame can be found at www.humansongs.com
