Ghana music reviews
Music reviews for "Ghana" sorted by average review score:
Master Drummers of Dagbon, Vol. 2
Released in Audio CD by Rounder Select (14 February, 1992)
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Artist: Alhaji Ibrahim Abdulai
Tracks:
- Gado
- Naanigoo
- Zambarima-Waa
- Kulnoli
- Damba
- Gurinsi-Waa
- Ban Nira Yelgu
- Madadaazie
- Sikare
- Suberima Kpeeru
- Nayig'-Naa Zan Budan' Bini
- Wangarisi-Waa
- Mumprugu-Waa
- Num Bie N-Kpan
- Kasuan Kura
- Nantoo Nimdi
Average review score: 
The cd that started it all (for me)
Ojah Awake
Released in Audio CD by Aim Records (21 November, 1995)
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Artist: Osibisa
Tracks:
- The Coffee Shop
- The Warrior
- Flying Bird
- Cherry Field
- Dance The Body Music
- Ojah Awake
- Keep On Trying
- Hamattan
- Sakabo
Average review score:
World Music Lovers Awake!Afro and Caribbean rythyms fill the works of Osibisa, aknowledged as a major inspiration for the popularity of world music. From the funny "Coffee Song" to lively danceable "Dance the Body Music," etc., and mellow works this album is one you will want to listen to over and over again. There is also a mystical sound to many of the pieces. People who hear the cd want seem to want a copy of their own.
One Man Thousand
Released in Audio CD by Akuboat (02 October, 1998)
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Artist: Alex Konadu
Tracks:
- Osugyani (Okom Beku Me)
- Owuo Deefoo
- Nsadwaase/Kese Waa/Odo Da Baabi/Alaba Sekyiwaa/Me Ne Wo Be Ye/Ankwanoma/Odo Maaba
- Onipa Wu A Na Wawu
- Kowu (Wo Bewu A Ko Wu)
- Jackson Day (Osikani Nua)
- Odo Nnim Sika
- Okwantuni (Kofi Yeboah)
- Wo Ye Huuhuu
- Obo Wo A Bo No Bi
Average review score:
one man thousnadthis is a typical ashanti high life dance tunes from the 70's to later 80's. excellent vocals and instrumentals.
The Rough Guide to the Music of Nigeria and Ghana
Released in Audio CD by World Music Network (02 April, 2002)
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Artist: Various Artists
Tracks:
- Okin Omo Ni (The King Of The Children) - I.K. Dairo
- Maa Jo - King Sunny Ade & His Afican Beats
- Funky Hi-Life - C.K. Mann
- Asiko - Tony Allen
- Neribalankina - Captain Yaba
- Fuji Shuffle - Adewale Ayuba
- Bra Ohoho - E.K. Nyame
- Joromi/Monkey Yanga - Sir Victor Uwaifo
- Day By Day - E.T. Mensah
- Matutu Mirika - Eric Agyeman
- Oyolima - Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe
- Fakye Me - Sweet Talks
- Baawo - Amanzeba Nat Brew
With 400 ethnic groups in Nigeria alone, The Rough Guide to the Music of Nigeria & Ghana (from the Rough Guide series) covers a vast canvas. So it's no wonder--and probably a sensible idea--that Fela Kuti, the Nigerian singer best known in the West, should not be included (on the grounds that his records are ubiquitous anyway). What is included here is dominated by that quintessentially mid-20th-century style known as highlife, best exemplified by its undisputed king E.T. Mensah. With his old-fashioned diction and immense charm, Mensah rides along on a gracefully Westernized instrumental sound. King Sunny Ade, who displaced him (and who was briefly picked up by Western promoters as a potential West African Bob Marley), prefers hard-driving rhythms and clean a cappella choruses. But on this superb CD charm is the key element, with a multitude of variations on local rhythms and instrumental combinations. Check out the two-string gourd molo, as played with brilliant panache by Captain Yaba; or revel in some of West Africa's best-loved party tracks, including those by C.K. Mann and Eric Agyeman. There's up-to-the-minute stuff from expatriate bands in America, and a wonderfully atmospheric gig with the most recent highlife king, Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe. --Michael Church
Average review score:
great dance music of a bygone eraIf I ever had to entertain guests who didn't speak a common language with me, one of the first things i'd think of doing would be to play this CD.
This is one of the grooviest and funkiest records out there, assimilating African rhythms, blaring horns, and waa pedals into the form of Afrobeat, Highlife, and Fuji music.
I liked this record so much that it inspired a trip to Ghana. But this is really the music of a bygone era- good luck finding *any* of the tracks or bands on this CD anywhere else- even in Ghana! I couldn't even find a record by the 'king of highlife', ET Mensah, on Amazon. Economic and political circumstances forced most of these musicians abroad, and those highlife musicians that do remain in Ghana play unpaid gigs in gospel churches (which are dance halls in their own right).
To best appreciate this record, you've got to play it at high volume. Some highlights include "Funky Hi-Life," "Maa Jo," and "Joromi."
This is one of the grooviest and funkiest records out there, assimilating African rhythms, blaring horns, and waa pedals into the form of Afrobeat, Highlife, and Fuji music.
I liked this record so much that it inspired a trip to Ghana. But this is really the music of a bygone era- good luck finding *any* of the tracks or bands on this CD anywhere else- even in Ghana! I couldn't even find a record by the 'king of highlife', ET Mensah, on Amazon. Economic and political circumstances forced most of these musicians abroad, and those highlife musicians that do remain in Ghana play unpaid gigs in gospel churches (which are dance halls in their own right).
To best appreciate this record, you've got to play it at high volume. Some highlights include "Funky Hi-Life," "Maa Jo," and "Joromi."
A Wonderful CollectionNo single CD can adequately represent the abundance and diversity of artists and musical styles that have emerged from Nigeria over the past fourty-plus years. However, if you are curious about Highlife, Juju, Fuji, Afrofunk, etc. (or African music in general), this compilation is for you. The Rough Guides, in general, are well-researched, informative and nicely packaged and help listeners to further explore the artists featured on their collections. There are some glaring omissions, however. Fela Kuti is not represented, but luckily his longtime drummer Tony Allen is on the excellent "Asiko". Also, Juju pioneer Chief Commander Ebineezer Obey is missing in action. So is Prince Nico. But as I said, the music of Nigeria is so vast, that it is inevitable that many deserving artists will be left out.
Wonche Bi
Released in Audio CD by Alula (08 January, 2002)
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Artist: Obo Addy
Tracks:
- Obaaye Onye
- Alagao (Welcoming The Spirits)
- Don't Go
- Kanuwaa
- Montswe (Hold It Fast)
- Alode
- Play The Drum For Me
- Gidi Gidi Betse
- Kaaye Oye
- Drumming Peace Into The Twenty-First Century
Average review score:
Great CD!!!I bought this cd not to long after it came out in an African Drum store in Portland, Oregon, and have loved it every since. You do not just have to love African music to like this cd, I didnt know much about African music before I got it, but this cd has gotten me way more into it. Anybody that likes music should buy this cd, especially if you like world music, African jazz, or reggae.
Heavy on the Highlife!
Released in Audio CD by Original Music (06 April, 1995)
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Artist: Heavy on the Highlife
Tracks:
- Uwamwesi Special
- Olhe Chinyenre
- Uwa Atu Alamujo
- Ihe Eji Aku Eme
- Anyi Abiala Ozo
- Na Kwa Echeki - Dr. Sir Warrior
Average review score: 
total neck-thrust musicthese guys are the lynyrd skynyrd of highlife. standout track: "ihe eji aku eme" by dan satch opara -- 19 minutes of relentless guitar riffing behind urgent declamatory vocals. an nigerian acquaintance says that the lyrics are a plea to stop the killing, achieve peace and brotherhood etc. etc. i'm down with it.
great great greatThis is one of the greatest albums of electric guitar music ever. Much of the Oriental Brother's music available through Sterns on African labels is wonderful too, but it is often poorly recorded, and rarely reaches the clarity, drive and intensity of these tracks. Standout song: Ihe Eji Aku Eme coming in at round about 18 and a half minutes, and no one in their right mind could wish it a second shorter.
Great MusicI have been trying for to long to get music from Oriental Brothers, Kabaka and High life music in general, I'll be more than happy to get through you guys.
Sunshine Day: Very Best of Osibisa
Released in Audio CD by Dressed to Kill (27 July, 1999)
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Artist: Osibisa
Tracks:
- Sunshine Day
- Welcome Home
- Densu
- Choboi (Heave Ho)
- Do It
- Right Now
- Seaside Meditation
- Uhuru
- Kolomashie
- Coffee Song
- The Warrior
- Flying Bird
- Cherry Field
- Dance The Body Music
- Ojah Awake
- Keep On Trying
- Hamattan
- Sakabo
- Time Is Right
- Get Up
- Gumbe
- Soldier
- Jumbo
- Abele
- Kyrie Eleison
- Africa We Go Go
- Lost Fisherman
- Sakura
Average review score:
"Criss-Cross Rthyms That explodes with happiness"This is just a correction to the previous reviewer.The Group Osibisa Was Formed Mainly by three Ghanaians,Teddy Osei,Mac Tontoh and Sol Amarfio.The Earlier group also had caribeans namely Wendel Richardson and Richard Bailey.Throughout the years there were other musicians who spent some time with the band like Kofi Ayivor,Kiki Gyan,Loughty Lasisi,The Late Darko Potato, Mike Odumosu,Remi Kabaka and Alfred "kari" Bannerman Who still happens to be with the Band.Their blend of music which could best be described as a fusion Of Rock and Ghanaian Highlife with a jazzy Horn Section and Wicked Killer Percussion throwing in Santana-like Guitar Riffs validates This" Criss-Cross Rythyms That explodes with Happiness". The groups was a huge succcess in Europe,Africa and in India and Japan. Osibisa's music is happy and fun and You wouldn't regret having this or any of their Cd's in your collection.BUY IT
Wickedest fusion rock in the world(...)Today Osibisa is also described as the fathers of World Music, but you know, that World Music thing is really a scam to avoid acknowledging that these bands were some of the wickedest funk/ fusion rock bands in the world. Osibisa and Ofo, two UK bands that rocked the world, defined my youth. There could be no finer cd in your collection if you are willing to step on new territory. Solid stuff always.
best of west africa dance club music from the 70'sOsibisa was a band formed by a high school group in Nigeria in the 70's. The melody of the lyrics combined with authentic African konga drums make this a must hear for all music lovers
Adam & Eve
Released in Audio CD by Ashanti (04 September, 2000)
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Artist: A.B. Crentsil & the Sweet Talks
Tracks:
Average review score:
GoodThis is a good album. I am a Ghanaian and proud of A. B. Crentsil's contribution to music. This album is a testament of the depths of his contribution.
To the first reviewer, please second guess the way you use words like "modern" until you get very comfortable and sure about them.
Very delightful highlife combinationi bought this CD because i am familiar with A.B Crentsil and i expected the music to be somewhat similar with a lot of modern percussions but it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. A very nice combination and very mellow highlife collection with a touch of the 60's feel. All the tracks are well done and my only regret about the CD is that i wish there were more than 5 tracks on the CD because all five tracks were great. If you like old style highlife music, this is definitely a good buy
Master Drummers of Dagbon, Vol. 1
Released in Audio CD by Rounder Select (03 October, 1992)
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Artist: Alhaji Ibrahim Abdulai
Tracks:
- gbada
- Gaabiti Zamanduniya
- Dikala
- Yoruba-Waa
- Gumbe
- Dakoli N-nye Bia
- Lua
- Kurugu kpaa
- Tora
- Hankuri Zamanduniya
- Jera
- Amajiro
- Zuu-Waa
- Naqkohi-Waa
- Pohim Taai Kurugu
- Zhim Taai Kurugu
- Takai
- Nyagboli
- Kondalia
- Nun Da Nyuli
Average review score:
Master Drums of DagbonMaster drums of Dagbon is just a tip of the iceberg of Dagbon music. I happened to have lived and grown up in Dagbon. Every indigenous profession in dagbon have their drum beat and dance and each is unique. The drums are accompanied by songs which are mostly proverbs or wise sayings.
Some of the drums are played on very special occasions and others are played on social occasions like funerals, weddings and the installation of a new chief.
For example if a butcher is dancing to to the Nakoha waa (meaning butcher's dance) and raises his right hand, he is sending a message that he is related to the butchers from his or her paternal side and if the left hand is raised it means the relationship with butchers is maternal. If both hands are raised, the message is that he is a burcher from both parents.
I wish that more of such recordings could be done.
It is rather unfortunate that the Dagombas (that is the people of Dagbon) have a rich culture, but ts people have still not come to terms with reality, that is the world has moved from the primitive stage several centuries go.
Some of the drums are played on very special occasions and others are played on social occasions like funerals, weddings and the installation of a new chief.
For example if a butcher is dancing to to the Nakoha waa (meaning butcher's dance) and raises his right hand, he is sending a message that he is related to the butchers from his or her paternal side and if the left hand is raised it means the relationship with butchers is maternal. If both hands are raised, the message is that he is a burcher from both parents.
I wish that more of such recordings could be done.
It is rather unfortunate that the Dagombas (that is the people of Dagbon) have a rich culture, but ts people have still not come to terms with reality, that is the world has moved from the primitive stage several centuries go.
Just as fantastic as Volume 2!I have had Master Drummers Of Dagbon Volume 2 for ten years or so, and Volume 1 for far shorter a time. This lapse in judgement was due to nothing more than some sort of brain-cramp. Had I had any sense, I would have made sure to get this disc, Volume 1, right after I bought Volume 2.
If you have Volume 2 then this cd is more of the same, just different. The same inspired playing, excellent recording quality, great spirit and it gives off a real feel for the culture and people from whom this music was spawned. It's different just in that it's different songs, different beats and rhythms, etc... Both discs are fantastic documents of this regional drumming style.
In a perfect world (with a modern cd-buying public that places more value on the spiritual and artistic contributions of other cultures) this music would have been able to generate enough interest to be released just as one excellent 2-disc set, but being that that's not the world we live in, this music had to be split into 2 discs.
No matter. It's a small price to pay for music as perfect as this. I feel that I wrote a pretty complete and satisfying review of Volume 2. My review of Volume 2 could be interchangeable with a review of Volume 1, if you'd like to read that as well.
If you have one of these, get the other. If you have none, get either or. Although my ultimate advice would be for you to get this, Volume 2, and also the excellent Master Fiddlers Of Dagbon cd. I just absolutely love all three of these discs!! The only flaw in this little series of Masters Of Dagbon discs is that there aren't 10 discs. Hopefully there will be more to come.
Okropong: Traditional Music of Ghana
Released in Audio CD by Warner Bros / Wea (14 September, 1993)
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Artist: Obo Addy
Tracks:
- Kpatsa/Toke
- Sounds From The Woods
- Kolo Mashi
- Oge
- Gome
- Sunshine (Hulu)
- Osoide
Average review score:
The rhythm is as good as it gets!Obo Addy is Ghana's musical ambassador. He has shared the rich musical traditions of his native country with Americans much the same way Babatunde Olatunji did with the music of Nigeria. While Addy's recordings are eclectic, ranging from afropop to new age, he goes back to his roots in this recording and gives us the traditional African rhythm ensemble. Without the new age qualities of his reverb soaked "Rhythm of Which a Chief Walks Gracefully" and lacking the Afropop sensibilities of his other albums, this is a polyrhythmic 'back to the basics' celebration of drums, percussion and beautiful Ghanian songs. By not sounding under or over-produced, the production hits the target and thus stays out of the trap of so many similar projects. The upbeat disc blazes with the balaphone, a myriad of bells and countless drums including the talking drum. Having seen Obo Addy live on both the African and North American continents, I am happy to write that this disc captures the essence of his live show. The voices soar, the arrangements are powerful and the rhythm is as good as it gets.
The thing that continues to really get me about this album is that if you just give it a lazy listen you will miss what is actually going on with this music. Some of the songs have an overall contour that may seem like constant repetition if you aren't really paying attention. However, if you are actually listening to it (and not just playing it in the background as you do other things) there is a world of overlapping rhythmic complexity changing and turning inside all of these songs. These drums also have very unique tones. This may sound odd but I hope it doesn't... there is almost a rubberyness to some of these drum sounds. A really tight bounce (or something) that I haven't heard coming from other types of drums. Also, it just struck me that all this time I forgot about Volume One! I don't have that one but I'll have to correct that situation soon.
This is really an incredible cd to listen to outside at night. I've listened to it while sitting around a campfire by a river at night before and it was a really beautiful experience. Sitting still would be quite a feat during this cd. This is really a great example of one of the communal dance musics for which West Africa is known. This cd may almost make you wish you knew all your neighbors and could all come together and dance together to some of the many rhythms of life. I really feel lucky that I decided to take a chance on this recording when I stumbled upon it way back when. It really jump-started an entire world of interest in Indigenous African musics for me, and even now that I am much more knowledgeable than I was then it still holds up as a classic recording.