Rabu, 30 Juli 2014

Ghana Music Through The Ages

By Imelda Reid


Ghanian music comes from the North, South, East and West. The most popular of which generally comes from the Northern or Southern areas. Ghana music is very different in style based on on which area the music is born. Drummers and dancers often improvise at regular meetings and special events. So, while there may be sheet music for some material, other material is not created except for in the improvisations and paradigms which are part of the show.

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.

Northern styles are set to a minor pentatonic or chromatic scale and melisma plays an important part in melodic and vocal styles. There is a long history of northern styles also being inclusive of the griot and praise-singing traditions.

Social functions like funerals, graduations, weddings and the like are often met with coastal style music. This style requires complex patterns be played on a variety of percussion instruments. These instruments often include bells, cowbells, drums, gourds, sticks and other percussion based instruments.

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.

In 1957, Ghana won her independence. Since that time, it has developed quite a musical identity. For example, the 20th century saw the onset of pop and dance pop. Pop-dance has continued in popularity over the years even with the introduction of Highlife and Hiplife.

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.




About the Author:



Tidak ada komentar:

Posting Komentar