Music is A Language: My Experience in Ghana

Douglas with a copy of High Life Time 3

Ebo Tylor receiving an exemplary award

There's so much talent in Africa that I think if we had the right civilization to utilize it, there is no continent richer than this cradle of mankind. Two weeks ago I was privileged to attend ACCES conference organised by Music in Africa hosted in Accra Ghana. Chale (Ghanaian icebreaker term for Friend),there is music in this continent, and there's so much authenticity in West African bands that one can only admire. What is taking so long for the society to embrace art as a legit profession and a source of income? Why are we forcing ourselves to be aligned with the Western Style and  end up revamping the cliche of  'Starving artistes?' Right from the first performance on the night of 28th November 2019 by the legendary Ebo Tylor to the last night epic presentation of the Mokoomba band from Zimbabwe, I am still nursing the imaginations that this conference brought my way with the likes of FRA Band!

Yaa Yaa with the writer after a short interview

Yes, I mean it when I say nursing because consumption of works of art for me happens consciously unlike food where I delegate the duty to my enzymes and intestines. I could only but admire the high level of competence that was graced by great communication skills (non-verbal) among the players on stage.The drummer, guitarist, singer and/or the violinist knows exactly where to stop, start and continue! Without Music Sheets! Oh, that we would mimic this kind of collaboration, teamwork skills and trust in our endeavors as young Africans in the daily struggles for change in this continent. Wouldn't Africa be miles ahead?

As I observed the bands play, I imagined the hours of practice invested in the works. I wondered whether or not these young people have 8-5 jobs and doubted if that excellence can be achieved by occasional meetups where someone comes only at convenient times. Then it dawned on me that all these bands were international stars and that means a 'formal employment' might not be their cup of tea. They would be branded incompetent and lazy. These are people who have gone against all odds, and decided to work on their brands and it's no wonder they are shining. I hope you as my reader (not just musicians) are learning something about success.

Kyekyeku

During the day, there were a lot of workshops and seminars that at one point made me struggle with choosing what to participate in. When I mentioned above that the musicians play so well from memory and not sight reading, the point has nothing to do with them not valuing education. In the main hall was John Collins, a Ghanaian of British Decent and Kyekeku (Pronounced as Checheku), a renowned guitarist and a band leader enlightening us on the history of Music in Ghana. I have to confess that that was the first time I came across the term High Life Music. I was appalled by how a 'normal' guitarist can be so rich in history, understanding music theory and customizing it in the African context. I am more confident that Africa is rich! The discussion and the short presentation of the early music in the country was enticing enough for me to purchase the 600 page book (The most Expensive text I've ever bought) by John Collins entitled "HIGH LIFE TIMES."

A moment with Ghanaian Promoter, Katinkah

Partners such as Boom Play, Appraise music store helped enlighten us on the marketing strategy for musicians. Theirs was a general call that live streaming is a disruptive business technology that every musician needs to be aware of, if indeed they want to succeed commercially. When was the last time you bought a CD, or as a musician, how are the CD sales so far?

Ladies and Gentlemen, brothers and sisters, chale, I fell in love. I fell in love with Yaa Yaa's music! I have to confess that sometimes I feel that I am the odd one out. I get an invite to a big event (Well not so big as I am yet to be that famous here) and all artistes have come with playbacks which they sing along and act like DJs. You know, that feeling you get that you are the odd one out and since our audience is okay with that, your performance looks like one from Mars if not Pluto. As a string player, you play carefully because if your string
happens to snap, none of the artistes will come to your rescue. Wasn't it fun when this happened during the performances and the lead guitarist asked for a nother guitar while his was being tuned and trust me, except for music nerds like me, no one could notice.

Yaa Yaa on stage

YAA YAA(BertherBridget Kankam), comes on stage and introduces the percussion with her majestic art on the tom drum. I saw great energy especially when she psyches her team in dancing to the original compositions that everyone would join in regardless of whether or not you know the language. We had a chat the following day and something struck me. Well, not all, but for a few that I've met, when an artiste gets to perform in such a high end event, they at most have a minute for you, and sadly, it's normally, "Hi, I'm good!" I managed an interview with Yaa Yaa and there's so much wisdom that I will share in an exclusive post to come.

A group of guitarists and 
composers/producers consulting

 This post won't mean a thing if I don't talk about the respected legend Obrafour when it comes to rap music in Ghana. His original name is Michael Elliot Kwabena Okyere Darko.  Prior to his coming, we were in a workshop with producers. This was a continuation of the presentations each one of us was giving on our works. I got to showcase my piece on forgiveness which you can get by clicking on the link Msamaha This was termed as very emotional by the audience among whom was a lead HipHop Producer, Mr. Koffi. One can only wonder the power of music. That the mind can decipher a psychological piece even without words is just a miracle. That is when I got to learn a lot on film scoring that has been part of my desire for as long as I can remember. BY the way, some days to come I will be starring! Now, people were not ready to break for lunch lest they miss a seat to hear Obrafour. 

Time elapsed, entered a short man, with a hat covering clean but very dark long dreadlocks almost reaching his waist. The room became frighteningly silent and he began to talk. Now I am fond of writing the main points from speeches; it turned out I was going to be writing everything! With the release of yesterdays Wajinga Nyinyi by the Kenyan rapper King Kaka, now I know that RAP just means Rythmic African Poetry as defined by Obrafour.  Never had I heard a successful rapper speak in a humble manner, attributing his success to God and when asked how he manages to write epic pieces he said; 

I am a student of the Bible. My mother brought me up training me in the fear of the almighty God. I took that up. In my work, I reckon that I am speaking to families and so, dignity is important, I need to inspire generations (Paraphrase).

Douglas in ACCES studio on collaborations

This popped  open a section in my mind that was blocked years ago as I joined High School. I composed a lot of songs and some of them were pieces for rap. Sadly, none of them got an extra ear because the role models I'd have wanted to look upto were just profane. Either about sex, alcohol or drugs. If you are in Kenya, find out hip hop artists in Kenya around 2004 and beyond. Since then, I wouldn't listen to a Hip-hop piece until after campus but still, getting my hands on writing rap gave me chills. Maybe, it's time!
As always, making friends is a good thing to help one appreciate diversity. The show was over and I had friends back where I was staying. The names I remember( I am poor with names at first instances) are Maiu Pachamama and Ibrahim. Perhaps because they were my company at the beach. The photos below include them and a few others at the residence.

The writer at the Ghana
Academy of Arts and Sciences

 I am sure, those who know me have been wondering how I got there, because Ghana is miles away. My gratitude goes to Music In Africa for giving me the opportunity to participate and Prince Clause Fund for facilitating my travel and accommodation. Thank you for reading!

The writer is and artiste at and founder of Dowe Music &Arts as well as the pioneer of Art4Leadership.