Welcome to Min-On’s Music Journey! Today, the Min-On Concert Association and the Embassy of the Republic of Ghana in Japan extend a warm invitation to explore the vibrant culture of Ghana, situated in West Africa.
Ghana, the first sub-Saharan African country to attain independence, proudly displays a black star on its flag symbolizing the freedom and pride of its people.
Travel Recommendations for Ghana:
- Delve into Ghana’s rich history by exploring the iconic landmarks of its capital, Accra.
- Immerse yourself in the art and culture of West Africa at a lively art festival.
- Revel in the legendary records of highlife, a distinctive musical genre.
Embark on our journey with the captivating performance of “Akaye” by the Ghana Dance Ensemble, showcased during their 2012 Min-On performance, “A Musical Voyage across Africa.” This genre, rooted in the North Ewe culture of eastern Ghana, features dynamic music and dance performed at various social events.
Discovering Accra, the Largest City in West Africa:
Accra, the bustling capital situated on the Gulf of Guinea, serves as the political, economic, and cultural heart of Ghana.
Nkrumah Memorial Park, dedicated to Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president and independence hero, stands as a symbol of Accra’s historical significance.
The National Theatre, the largest in the country, fosters Ghana’s musical and artistic heritage.
Labadi Beach, a popular coastal destination, hosts vibrant performances of reggae, hip-hop, and traditional music.
Culture and National Characteristics:
Ghanaian people are known for their pride and generosity, embodying a model case for African independence.
Ghana has vibrant social settings, with women who are actively involved in various economic activities, some plying their merchandise in the countless markets located in towns and cities across the country.
Ghana’s food varieties are also unique in West Africa and are often served alongside other intercontinental cuisines in major hotels in the country.
Celebrating Ghanaian Culture
Chale Wote Street Art Festival, among Ghana’s largest festivals, promotes West African art through cultural exchanges spanning music, dance, fashion, painting, film, and cuisine.
Traditional clothing, such as the hand-woven kente, and adinkra, adorned with symbolic patterns, reflect Ghana’s rich cultural heritage.
Musical Culture of Ghana
The Min-On Music Museum showcases a diverse collection of traditional Ghanaian musical instruments. Explore instruments like Adenkum, Talking drum, Fontomfrom, Double bell, Darbuka, Banana bell, and Nmani.
| Adenkum | A shaker made from a gourd |
| Talking drum | A West African percussion instrument used for long-distance communication |
| Fontomfrom | A percussion instrument made by hollowing out a pumpkin-like plant |
| Double bell | A metal gong played with a stick |
| Darbuka | A sheepskin drum with a wooden body |
| Banana bell | A metallic bell shaped like a banana |
| Nmani | A percussion instrument made from a dried gourd split in half |
Please see the “Jira,” a traditional music and dance of the hunters who live in northern Ghana from Min-On concert held in 2012.
Highlife music, a genre deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of Ghana, is a vibrant and rhythmic musical style that has played a significant role in the country’s cultural and social landscape. Emerging in the early 20th century, Highlife evolved from traditional Akan music, influenced by the colonial introduction of European instruments and musical concepts.
The genre is distinguished by its use of guitars, horns, and keyboards, creating a sound that blends local rhythms with Western harmonies and structures. Its rhythms, while complex, are usually relaxed, creating an easy, danceable and accessible sound for a wide audience. Highlife is more than just music; it is a reflection of Ghanaian life, embodying the spirit, struggles, joys, and resilience of its people.
In recent decades, Highlife has evolved, blending with other genres to form new styles like Hiplife, a fusion of Highlife and hip-hop. Despite these transformations, traditional Highlife remains a cherished part of Ghanaian music, celebrating the nation’s history and cultural identity. It continues to be an influential and beloved genre, not just in Ghana, but across Africa and in diaspora communities worldwide.
Featured Artist: Sarkodie
Meet Sarkodie, a prominent rapper and hiplife artist, celebrated in Ghana and internationally for his rapid-fire rapping style.
Listen to his hit song “Adonai,” which has garnered nearly 100 million views online.
Recommendations from the Embassy of the Republic of Ghana in Japan
- BRA (Come Back) －Okyeame Kwame
- Arica We Go Go －Osibisa
- Be Happy －AKLOWA
- LIVE at Afrikafestival Hertme 2007 －Koo Nimo Palmwine Quartet
Reflecting on your musical journey to Ghana, we hope you enjoyed the cultural diversity. Stay tuned for our next destination!
(Produced in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Ghana in Japan, who also provided photos.)
Min-On Concert Association
－Music Binds Our Hearts－
