Traditional Drumming and Dances of Ghana

As conveyed in Traditional Drumming and Dances of Ghana, drum rhythms communicate important messages on all occasions: about unity, bravery in war, honoring ancestors and chiefs, and initiation into adulthood, among others. Scholar and music editor John Tanson recorded music of six Ghanaian tribes in the 1970s, and the resulting album shows the significance of drumming and dance, especially as demonstrated in the track “Talking Drums.” Track notes are accompanied by pictures of some of the dances and ceremonies.

Track Listing

101	Borborbor	Ewe men and women, Volta Region	03:39
102	Asafo Drumming	Asafo ensemble, Volta Region	02:34
103	Apitim Drumming	Mpintin ensemble, Ashanti Region	02:15
104	Fontomfrom Drumming	Fontomfrom ensemble, Ashanti Region	03:15
105	Kete Drumming	Kete ensemble, Ashanti Region	01:21
106	Nyamkoro (Adowa)	Adowa ensemble, Ashanti Region	02:01
107	Adowa Drumming	Kete ensemble, Ashanti Region	01:55
108	Lobi Dancers	Lobi ensemble with mixed chorus, Upper Region	04:24
201	Bamaya Group	Bamaya ensemble with female vocalists, Northern Region	03:43
202	Adenkum	Fante men and women, Central Region	02:06
203	Kpanlongo	Kpanlongo ensemble, Greater Accra Region	03:54
204	Gonji	Ensemble with gonje, percussion, male singer, Northern Region	05:17
205	Krama	Krobo men and women	03:04
206	Talking Drums	Ashanti drummer	01:17