Ghana Music – From A London Eye

As a 19-year-old living in the western part of the world, you might not be expected to engage with your roots as such. Born and raised in Southeast London to Ghanaian parents, growing up was nothing short of functions. Driving up closer to the venues of the functions, you could smell the food being brought out of the metal containers. Once the food part was done (well really and truly isn’t done, you’ll always catch someone trying to do takeaway), you would hear Daddy Lumba’s “Aben Wo Ha” or Ofori Amponsah’s “Emmanuela” being played by the DJ. Once you hear that “Alright stop, collaborate and listen!” everyone is busting a move on the dancefloor.

Fast forward into the 2010s and we have many artists setting the stage for Ghana music, and even breaking international barriers. In the early part of the decade we saw the emergence of the duos “R2Bees” and “Ruff and Smooth” who came out with singles such as “Kiss Your Hand” with Wande Coal and “Life (Walahi)” and “Dance for Me”. In that same period of time we also saw Ghana’s greatest rapper to date Sarkodie come out with “U Go Kill Me” along with E.L and “Azonto Fiesta” when the azonto dance was one of the biggest at the time, having made a mark in 2009 with his first album “Makye” meaning “I’ve taken long”. Since then, he has been consistent with his music, with 2014’s “Adonai” along with Castro being his biggest song of all time. Additionally, he has used his talent to address social and political issues within the nation. “Dumsor”, which means “on and off” points out the mismanagement of electricity within the nation and its effect on the people – “doctors are using candles for operations”. “The Masses” is another song that addresses such matters within the country and talks about making decisions that benefit the whole nation and not just the rich.

Ever so recently we have seen a new wave of genre take off in the name of “afro-dancehall”, with Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy being the leaders of the scene. Shatta Wale was formerly known as ‘Bandana’ and released his first single in 2004 with Tinny which was called ‘Bandana from Ghana’. He later rebranded himself and changed his name to Shatta Wale with Wale meaning “World Acclaimed Lyrical Entertainer”, and in 2013 he released “Dancehall King” which became his breakthrough and boosted his popularity. Since then, he has followed up with hits including “Hol’ It”, “Baby (Chop Kiss)”, “Kakai”, “Ayoo” and “Taking Over” to name a few. Stonebwoy released his third studio album “Epistles of Mama” which was arguably one of the best albums of the year (my personal favourites being ‘Bawasaaba’ and ‘Most Original’ with Sean Paul). Before that he has two albums and an EP to his name. Together, these two have several awards and nominations, including VGMA’s, BET’s and a Grammy nomination.

Ghana music and afrobeat as a genre has had its influence on the UK scene (particularly the afroswing movement which has grown in recent years). Kojo Funds (who has a song with Stonebwoy called “Falling Again”), J Hus, Timbo, Sneakbo, Yxng Bane are all names that come into mind when this genre is mentioned. In the short period I’ve been alive it’s obvious that Ghana music and afrobeat as a genre has gone on and will continue to reach greater heights.