I reminisce about the spiritual melody of our ancestors in those cotton fields, battered and worn from the trauma of pain. I can see the sweat dripping from their faces as they quietly remembered home. Their wounds could be felt in their songs—our mothers and fathers, uncles and aunts. Yet, they kept singing their songs of hope because there is something powerful about the African melody. When it hits you, regardless of your struggle, you forget your pain. This sound has resonated through the years and has found its way into Ghana’s musical experience.
When I first landed in Ghana, her music splashed over me like waves unearthing the gullible shores. My innocent heart was engulfed by her welcoming tune.
Music has been a part of the Ghanaian people since the beginning of time. Through their ups and downs, they have sung with joyful hope. In this blog, I want us to explore this beautiful melody and enter into their haven of musical presence. Come with me, and let’s dive in.
Finding Your Way Into Ghana's Musical Experience
Ghana’s music breaches the defenses of one’s heart, digging deep into the soul. For the African diaspora, it won’t be hard to become absorbed in this melody. All you have to do is go on the streets and bask in some local street performances, or turn on your radio and begin to soak in her song. Music holds a sacred place in the hearts of the African people. From Reggae to Hiplife to Highlife, music is a part of who we are.
I remember growing up in the hills of Jamaica and how we used to love music. Music not only uplifts us with good energy but also brings people together. Some of the largest crowds are drawn by a shared love for music and celebration. Bob Marley is a prime example of how music can positively impact any society. Like many other things, if used incorrectly, music can have the opposite effect. Yet, there is no denying that music holds a special place in any society.
Ghana is no different. It is a country where music is not just an art form but a way of life. This is similar to Jamaica, where music is a part of people, as roots are a part of trees. Its rich musical history spans decades, blending traditional rhythms with modern sounds to create genres that have captivated audiences worldwide. As a diasporan, diving into Ghana’s music experience offers a unique and immersive cultural exposure. From the golden era of Highlife to the pulsating beats of contemporary Afrobeat, Ghana’s music is an anesthetic for your pain.
Highlife Brings You High into Ghana's Musical Experience
There is something about music that resonates deeply with the human soul. It speaks to the very core of who we are. Perhaps this is why music is such a powerful force, capable of inspiring both good and bad.
Ghana’s Highlife music is no exception. It represents an evolution and a modern expression of the Ghanaian people. We can consider the evolution of music in places like Jamaica, where originally we had ska, then reggae, then modern dancehall music. The truth is that music is always evolving, and Ghana’s music is no different.
Highlife music, often considered the cornerstone of modern Ghanaian musical experience, emerged in the early 20th century. Combining traditional African rhythms with Western instruments like the guitar and brass, highlife became the soundtrack of Ghana’s independence movement.
Iconic artists such as E.T. Mensah and Osibisa popularized the genre, infusing it with themes of unity and celebration. Diasporans can explore the legacy of highlife by visiting live music venues in Accra, such as +233 Jazz Bar & Grill, where the timeless melodies of highlife are still performed by talented musicians.
The Hiplife Revolution
Hiplife is a natural evolution of the highlife music. As an evolutionary art, In the 1990s, highlife gave birth to a new genre—hiplife. Pioneered by Reggie Rockstone, hiplife blended highlife’s melodic essence with the rap and urban beats of hip-hop. The genre’s lyrics, often delivered in local languages like Twi and Ga, resonated deeply with the youth, making it a cultural phenomenon.
Diasporans, particularly the younger ones, can experience hiplife’s vibrancy on the radio, or at events in cities like Kumasi and Accra, where DJs and live performers keep the genre alive and thriving. Regardless of your age or beliefs, Ghana has a music for you.
The Afrobeat Explosion is a Part of Ghana's Musical Experience
There is a new African melody that has overtaken the airwaves like a storm. It is called Afrobeats. This is just further down the ancestry of Africa’s musical lineage.
Ghana didn’t hesitate to catch on to the evolution of the African sound. Afrobeats has found its way into Ghana’s musical experience. It has not only infiltrated the secular sphere but also found its way into Gospel music. Gospel artists like Angeloh, Greatman Takit, and Tobi Toun keep the beat alive. Secular artists like Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy have been a part of this adoption of Afrobeats.
Afrobeats’ infectious rhythms and danceable beats draw inspiration from highlife, hiplife, and traditional drumming, making it a global sensation. Diasporans visiting Ghana can attend major music festivals like Afrochella and Chale Wote Street Art Festival, which showcase Afrobeats performances alongside art and culture. For sure, music is one thing that will make you feel at home.
Traditional Music Experiences
The good thing about music is that it caters to everyone. Regardless of your age or spiritual enlightenment, there is music that will break your barriers and dissolve you with good vibes.
For those seeking a deeper connection to Ghana’s musical roots, traditional drumming and dance performances are a must. Like the Rasta man who drums himself to life, traditional Ghanaians use their music to inspire their daily living.
Many cultural centers, such as the W.E.B. Du Bois Center in Accra, offer live demonstrations of traditional music. Diasporans and visitors can even participate in workshops to learn the rhythms of instruments like the talking drum and kora, gaining hands-on insight into Ghana’s ancestral sounds. For sure, Ghana’s musical experience has no bounds.
Nightlife and Live Music
If you are into nightlife, then there is also a place for you in Ghana’s musical experience. You can make your way to one of Ghana’s chill spots and take in the melody that awaits you.
Ghana’s vibrant nightlife is a treasure trove for music enthusiasts. From bustling pubs in Osu to serene beachside venues in Kokrobite, Diasporans can enjoy live music across various genres. Whether it’s a high-energy Afrobeat performance or a soulful highlife serenade, the country’s music scene promises unforgettable evenings.
Adding to the allure, local food and drinks enhance the experience, offering a taste of Ghana’s culinary heritage. From spicy kebabs to chilled bottles of palm wine, the fusion of music and gastronomy creates a truly immersive cultural night out. It’s a perfect way for Diasporans to connect with the heartbeat of the nation while making unforgettable memories.
Final Thoughts
I have found that as African descendants, music is just a part of who we are. The world’s most talented and decorated singers are mostly people of African descent, thus we see that music belongs to us. As a diasporan, there is no settling in Ghana without diving into her musical experience.
Exploring Ghana’s musical experience is more than just entertainment; it’s a journey through the country’s history, culture, and identity. From highlife’s golden age to Afrobeat’s global dominance, each genre tells a story of resilience, unity, love and hope.
As a diasporan, whether you are into secular or spiritual music, experiencing this rich musical tapestry will leave you with memories of Ghana and impress good energy on your soul. May you be blessed by the African sound.
