An intriguing album that involves a dramatic blending of the elements of jazz, classical and traditional African music was recently released by a group of friends.
Titled ?Wala?, the nine-track album comprises a medley of subtle traditional rhythms and beats that tend to surprise critics who assume African drumming is always loud and harsh.
Jointly composed and produced by Charles Fafa Duwor, Nii Aflah Hammond, Odai Nmai and Isaac Afutu, ?Wala? is part of the desire by some musicians to develop and promote Ghanaian traditional music in Ghana and overseas.
The album forcefully reveals the capabilities of indigenous African musical instruments - a feat achieved through years of experiments and improvisations by dedicated musicians.
Tracks on the album include ?Shiatsewo? which opens with a lovely rendition of an atenteben flute accompanied by lyrics in Ga and Ewe that comment on the on the activities of a landlord and the difficulties he encounters in the process.
Another one, ?Ojoofoi?, is a fine combination of the western piano and African xylophone alongside traditional African drums, bells and shakers that produce rhythms which may possess therapeutic qualities.
The title track?, ?Wala? is a chorus of sweet voices calling on people to be humble and respectful while asking for protection, long life and prosperity from our great father in heaven.
The song sung in English, ?Peace? opens with a piano work by Fafa Duwor followed by atenteben flutes and a calm voice that calls or peace and unity in the world.
The album grabbed an award for its sound quality during the recent edition of the Woodford Cultural Festival, held in Queensland, Australia.
All members of the group have participated in several multi cultural festivals in Europe, Australia and Africa ? and have resolved to harness their experiences to help develop the music of their motherland.
?Wala? was recorded at the Hush Hush Studios in Accra with Colonel Faat as the engineer.
An intriguing album that involves a dramatic blending of the elements of jazz, classical and traditional African music was recently released by a group of friends.
Titled ?Wala?, the nine-track album comprises a medley of subtle traditional rhythms and beats that tend to surprise critics who assume African drumming is always loud and harsh.
Jointly composed and produced by Charles Fafa Duwor, Nii Aflah Hammond, Odai Nmai and Isaac Afutu, ?Wala? is part of the desire by some musicians to develop and promote Ghanaian traditional music in Ghana and overseas.
The album forcefully reveals the capabilities of indigenous African musical instruments - a feat achieved through years of experiments and improvisations by dedicated musicians.
Tracks on the album include ?Shiatsewo? which opens with a lovely rendition of an atenteben flute accompanied by lyrics in Ga and Ewe that comment on the on the activities of a landlord and the difficulties he encounters in the process.
Another one, ?Ojoofoi?, is a fine combination of the western piano and African xylophone alongside traditional African drums, bells and shakers that produce rhythms which may possess therapeutic qualities.
The title track?, ?Wala? is a chorus of sweet voices calling on people to be humble and respectful while asking for protection, long life and prosperity from our great father in heaven.
The song sung in English, ?Peace? opens with a piano work by Fafa Duwor followed by atenteben flutes and a calm voice that calls or peace and unity in the world.
The album grabbed an award for its sound quality during the recent edition of the Woodford Cultural Festival, held in Queensland, Australia.
All members of the group have participated in several multi cultural festivals in Europe, Australia and Africa ? and have resolved to harness their experiences to help develop the music of their motherland.
?Wala? was recorded at the Hush Hush Studios in Accra with Colonel Faat as the engineer.
