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.
Musical taste vary among the people of the country. It is for this reason that all genres of music are generally available for purchase at stores or through a website. Sahelian features a combination of string instruments and melodies and is popular in all areas. Whether it is the kologo lute, gongey fiddle, the many wind instruments or the vocals accompanying same, it is a style that is as appropriate for dance as meditation.
Set to a minor chromatic or pentatonic scale, notes flows almost effortlessly with these combination of instruments and voice. Praise singing is also a popular form in the area. Griot, somewhat like mild chanting or story telling is also quite popular. Most often, regardless of style, vocals are accompanied by some type of drums, bells or stringed instrument.
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.
The Coast sound and material can also be associated with many different religions. Most religions tend to use the percussion based styles over the harps and strings with few exception. A harp-lute whose origins are in the well known stringed harps. The most common drums with relation to religious ceremonies are the kete and adowa which host a set of bells as part of the base drum.
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.
Musical taste vary among the people of the country. It is for this reason that all genres of music are generally available for purchase at stores or through a website. Sahelian features a combination of string instruments and melodies and is popular in all areas. Whether it is the kologo lute, gongey fiddle, the many wind instruments or the vocals accompanying same, it is a style that is as appropriate for dance as meditation.
Set to a minor chromatic or pentatonic scale, notes flows almost effortlessly with these combination of instruments and voice. Praise singing is also a popular form in the area. Griot, somewhat like mild chanting or story telling is also quite popular. Most often, regardless of style, vocals are accompanied by some type of drums, bells or stringed instrument.
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.
The Coast sound and material can also be associated with many different religions. Most religions tend to use the percussion based styles over the harps and strings with few exception. A harp-lute whose origins are in the well known stringed harps. The most common drums with relation to religious ceremonies are the kete and adowa which host a set of bells as part of the base drum.
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.
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