KWL
Focus on a specific attraction of your choice related to Ghana
AFRICAN DRUMMING
What I know
I know so little. I love the beat. I don’t understand why musicians don’t travel more to infuse
foreign sounds, such as the African beat, into their music. I tell my students, if you’re a
musician looking for your unique sound; travel.
What I want to know
1. What are the different types of drums used, and why would a musician choose one over
another; is it availability, regional differences, or to create a distinct sound to match the
mood of the music being played?
2. Are their different styles of drumming? Does each region have its unique rhythm? Apart
from the instrument, what styles produce what beat?
3. When is drumming prevalent? Will I be aware of a constant beat once I step off the plane
or is drumming mostly reserved for ceremonies?
What I have learned
1. Ghanaian drummers usually use the djembe and kpanlogo drums.
From Pam Pendleton I learned “the djembe originated in West Africa in the countries of
Mali, Guinea, and Senegal. They are carved from one piece of wood, hollowed out into
an hourglass shape. Goat skin covers the top and is tightened by vertical lines made of
rope (like what you can get at REI for climbing). There are three main sounds played
with the hands- bass, tone, and slap. The djembe is loud and is therefore used to solo
when played with other drums.”
She also explained that the “Kpanlogo is one of the traditional drums of Ghana. It is a
hand drum also but the head is covered with antelope - a little stronger than goat skin
and can be used with a stick as well as the hands. There are special rhythms and songs
associated with this drum;” such as the rhythm for the traditional kpanlogo dance. The
kpanlogo drum is popular with the Ga tribe in Ghana's Accra region and creates a loud,
deep sound.
The Nigerian drummer Babatunde Olatunji introduced the djembe to Europe and North
America in the 1960s and it quickly became very popular. The drumming circles I want
to join were started with the djembe.
2. The characteristics of African Music are its complex rhythmic, pentatonic structures.
Polyrhythms are composed of multiple and sometimes opposing patterns played at the
same time and are often played by several drummers taking different parts. Because of
the slave trade, West African music has had a large influence on American music such as
jazz and blues. Call-and-response patterns are common, with the leader singing a line
for the group to answer. “West Africa does not use either harmony or multiple
melodies at the same time like Western music, but instead builds complexity in its
rhythms.” 1
3. Drumming is generally a communal activity and can be used to tell stories.
It can be used to tell stories and often involves dancing as part of the music. In fact,
“dance helps to create the music. The tempo kept by the dancing, and the movements
of the dance, dictate the percussive elements. Since the music of West Africa is largely
participatory, dance and music combine to create one unified art form. Both elements
are created simultaneously in an improvisatory manner. [This is] in contrast to western
music, where the music is created ahead of time and then choreographed.” 2
The rapid beat is used in all ceremonies from weddings to deaths. The music is not
written but, instead, passed on orally. 3
REFERENCES
"An Explanation for the Emergence of Jazz (1956)." Theory of Music. Web. 05 Mar. 2012.
<http://theoryofmusic.wordpress.com/2008/01/16/an-explanation-for-the-emergence-of-jazz-1956/>.
1
"Characteristics of West African Music." EHow. Web. 05 Mar. 2012.
<http://www.ehow.co.uk/info_8529553_characteristics-west-african-music.html>.
2)
"Characteristics of West African Dance & Culture." EHow. Web. 05 Mar. 2012.
<http://www.ehow.co.uk/info_8575328_characteristics-west-african-dance-culture.html>.
3)
"Characteristics of West African Music." EHow. Web. 05 Mar. 2012.
<http://www.ehow.co.uk/info_8529553_characteristics-west-african-music.html>.
"West African Music." Web. 05 Mar. 2012. <http://echarry.web.wesleyan.edu/Afmus.html>.
GHANAIAN CULTURE AND BEHAVIORAL NORMS
What I know
I know that Africa is a collectivist country. From this I can assume that they are community
oriented. I believe that Africans tend to base decisions on what is best for the group rather
than the individual, as in an individualistic county like the U.S.
I know that Africa has had a tumultuous, often tragic past in regards to war and disease and
economy, yet the dress and music cast many African nations as relaxed and laidback.
Of Ghana specifically, I only know that it recently gained its independence from Great Britain
and now boasts one of the fastest growing economies.
What I want to know
1. How do Ghanaians view big-ticket items such as life and death (as this perception usually
spills into daily life)?
2. How do behavioral norms differ from cultural behaviors in the U.S.?
3. What are the popular spiritual or religious beliefs of Ghanaians?
What I have learned
1. I learned that if I really want to experience Ghanaian culture at its best, I need to attend a
funeral.
Funerals in Ghana resemble weddings in Massachusetts. Throngs of guests gather to
help the grieving family with money, food and celebration. A Ghanaian funeral is much
less about mourning the loss of a loved one, as it is rejoicing in the life lead. Sam
Dolnick says it all in his article, Dance, Laugh, Drink, Save the Date: It’s a Ghanaian
Funeral, “The Irish may be known for their spirited wakes, but Ghanaians have perfected
the over-the-top funeral.” Funerals are often planned a month or so after the death of
a loved so that everyone can mark their calendars and disk jockeys, photographers,
videographers, bartenders and security guards can be booked. These anticipated
parties, Dolnick explains, “all serve the same ends — as festive fund-raisers for bereaved
families and as midnight reunions for Ghanaian nurses, students, scientists and
cabdrivers looking to dance …” As one Ghanaian immigrant to New York tells another
about an upcoming event, ““Everybody’s saying this is going to be the hottest funeral of
the year.”
2. There are over 100 ethnic groups living in Ghana. Although each group has its own set of cultural
norms, some of these norms are either cross-ethnic or gradually taking on national status. (This
section got a little wieldy, but I enjoy exploring behavioral norms with my students.)
The People: The largest group are Akan, Moshi-Dagbani, Ewe, and Ga. The Ashanti tribe
of the Akan is the largest tribe and one of the few societies in West Africa where lineage
is traced through the mother and maternal ancestors. Because of this, mothers enjoy a
higher status among the Ashanti as opposed to that of the Fanti. Once famous for the
wealth of their rulers, they are now more well known for their craftwork such as kente
cloth: (bright cotton stips with complex patterns).
The Family: Ghanaian families include extended families spanning several generations.
Family can have a very strong bond in Ghana and is the primary source of identity,
loyalty and responsibility. Obligations to the family take precedence over most
everything else, and social standing is achieved through one’s extended family.
The Home: Homes vary throughout the country according to money, resources and
physical restrictions. In the villages where we spent much of our time there were many
families living in half-built houses. This is due to the fact that there are no mortgages
per say and owners will often squat on land they did not buy, in homes they are in the
process of building.
The Language: Although the official language of Ghana is English, nine other languages
are government-sponsored. They are Akan, Dagaare/Wale, Dagbane, Dangme, Ewe, Ga,
Gonja, Kasem, Nzema. Two dialects of Akan, Twi and Fante, are not governmentsponsored, but are widely-spoken in Ghana. In addition, Hausa is often used as a lingua
franca by Muslims in Ghana.
Social Hierarchy: Ghanaian society is hierarchical. Except in urban centers like Accra and
Cape Coast, a general formality is followed in social interactions. This is determined by
age, experience, wealth and/or position. Older people are seen as wise and treated
with respect. With this respect comes responsibility, and people expect the most senior
person to make decisions that are in the best interest of the group.
Greetings: Handshakes are the most common form of greeting. When shaking hands
Ghanaians will hold the right hand in the normal manner but will then twist and click
each other’s middle finger. Christians will generally shake hands between the sexes
though you should wait for the woman to extend her hand first. Practicing Muslims
often will not shake hands with people of the opposite sex. You should maintain eyecontact when greeting. Begin conversation by inquiring about things like health, family
and job before diving into heavier issues. Titles are important. Use the honorific title
plus any academic or professional title and the surname. Wait until invited before
moving to a first-name basis. The younger generation will tend to do so more quickly.
As a sign of respect, males over the age of 30 may be addressed as "pah-pah" while
women of the same age may be called "mah-mee". People over the age of 50 may be
referred to as "nah-nah". Business cards are casually exchanged. Give and receive
business cards with two hands or the right hand, never with the left.
Invitations: As opposed to some cultures where invitations to dinner can be a social
gesture and not expected to be accepted right away, Ghanaians enjoy entertaining in
their homes and you should accept any invitation as a sign of friendship. If invited to
someone’s home, you are not expected to bring a gift; however, an inexpensive
wrapped gift for the children is always a nice touch as it shows a concern for family. As
with business cards, gifts should be given using the right or both hands, never the left.
You should dress well; Ghanaians place a lot of emphasis on how people dress. You may
need to remove your shoes, and greet elders of heads of family first. Table manners can
be relatively formal. You should wait to be told where to sit, and use the wash basin
provided to wash your hands before you eat. Food is generally served from a communal
bowl. Do not begin eating until after the eldest male. Eat from the section of the bowl
that is in front of you. Never reach across the bowl to get something from the other
side. If you do not want to eat with your hands you may ask for utensils. If you use your
hands then scoop the food with the thumb and first two fingers of the right hand.
Again, never use your left hand.
Communication Style seems very much like the communication style in China.
Ghanaians are more indirect communicators. They take care not to relay information in
any way that could cause issues, whether giving bad news, turning down an invitation,
refusing a request etc. Ghanaians always want to protect their own and others’ face and
maintain harmonious relationships. As a result they tend to use proverbs, wise sayings,
and analogies readily. This allows them to convey their message in a way that seems
less blatant. In fact people who are viewed as wise frequently speak in proverbs. (Note:
this oral literature in the form of proverbs, narratives, poetry and song also help
preserve and shape the history of Ghanaian communities.) Silence is another way
around a sticky situation and therefore a common means of communication. If
someone is uncomfortable with a question or does not think the asker will appreciate
response, he will say nothing rather than make the other person uncomfortable. It is
important for Ghanaians to maintain dignity, honor, and a good reputation. In this
collective culture, the entire family shares any loss of honor. People will act with
decorum at all times to ensure they do not cause anyone embarrassment.
The Business Meeting: This is interesting and critical information if you intend to engage
in business abroad. Initial meetings are really all about finding out about one another
and if personalities allow for future meetings. You should expect to spend quite a good
deal of time in relationship and rapport building. Don’t be surprised if business is not
really discussed much at all in the first meeting. Preliminary meetings can also be a little
more stiff and formal until a rapport is built. It’s important to maintain a polite and
somewhat reserved demeanor. Hierarchy is respected. The most senior person is
greeted first.
Humor: “Ghanaians have a keen sense of humor and enjoy telling jokes, however until
you have understood their sense of humor it’s best to refrain from telling jokes yourself.
If a Ghanaian teases you take it good-naturedly. For the most part, this shows they are
becoming more relaxed with you. “
3. Many different religions are practiced in Ghana and tolerance of different beliefs is very high,
but people who don’t believe in any type of higher being are viewed with skepticism.
REFERENCES
"Cultural Norms and Values: Their Place in National Development." Ghana HomePage, Resource for
News, Sports, Facts, Opinions, Business and Entertainment. Web. 05 Mar. 2012.
<http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/features/artikel.php?ID=32968>.
"Ghana - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette." Ghana- Culture, Etiquette, Customs and Protocol.
Web. 05 Mar. 2012.
Salm, Steven J., and Toyin Falola. Culture and Customs of Ghana. Westport, CT: Greenwood, 2002. Print.
SWARTHMORE AFRICAN STUDENTS. Web. 01 Mar. 2012.
<http://www.sccs.swarthmore.edu/org/sasa/sasaFAQ.html#Cul2>.
THE GEOGRAPHY OF AFRICA
What I know
I know that Africa is a continent situated below Spain and both above and below the equator.
What I want to know
1. How many countries are in Africa and what are the ecological distinctions of the different
areas.
2. What countries in Africa are owned by other countries?
3. I am drawn to the music of Africa. Is the music that interests me from one area in Africa or
from all over?
(When I finish studying the geography of Africa, I want to be able to pass this quiz. How many
countries can you name quiz: http://www.sporcle.com/games/g/africa.)
What I have learned
1. There are 54 countries in Africa, though the numbers vary depending on how you count
certain territories. The northern third of Africa is desert. Although the countries of Mauritania,
Mali, Niger, Chad, and Sudan are considered Sub-Saharan Africa, they appear also to be very
much desert. Contrary to popular beliefs, only 15% of Africa is rainforest. Most of the
remainder of the continent is green in one way or another; either by grasses, deciduous or
evergreen forests
2. Although Liberia was set up by citizens of the United States as a colony for former African-American
slaves (as was Sierra Leone by the British), it declared its independence in 1847. In fact, there are few
countries left that still count African territories (once colonies) as their own. Many African nations
gained their independence after 1960. The remaining foreign-owned territories are islands off Africa.
Great Britain continues to hold on to Saint Helena, which includes Saint Helena Island, Ascension Island,
and a group of islands known as the Tristan da Cunha Islands, and France to the island of Reunion off the
coast of Madagascar and the Mayotte Island group in the Mozambique Channel.
3. With only 30 songs, I just have a small sampling of the music that inspires me, but it is interesting to
note that none of it comes from northern Africa. Most musicians are from West and South Africa, with
an honerable mention in a few other countries, such as the Congo and Sudan.
NOTE: I created an interactive music map of Africa to which you will need a CD from me. I will bring it
to our next meeting.
CONTINENT OF AFRICA
Click on the number and listen to a musician from the country. (See
above note.)
Music from Various African Nations
1. I Ka Barra (Your Work)
Habib Koité and Bamada
Mali
2. Din Din Wo (Little Child)
Habib Koité and Bamada
Mali
3. Wassiye
Habib Koité and Bamada
Mali
4. Inexile
Capercaillie and Sibeba
Scotland & Guinea
5. Assode
Groupe Oyiwan
France & Sudan
6. Muengue Mwa Ndolo
Coco Mbassi
Cameroon
7. Avelo
Tarika
Madagascar
8. Untold Story
Sibongile Khumalo
South Africa
9. Aguis Mahasnik Biman
Rasha
Sudan
10. Wasuze Otya?
Samite
Uganda
11. Hanzvadzi
Thomas Mapfumo
Zimbabwe
12. Kothbiro
Ayub Ogada
Kenya
13. La Milonga de Ricardo en
Cha-cha-cha
Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca Congo
14. Ndakuvara
Oliver Mtukudzi
15. People get Ready
Ladysmith Black Mambazo &
Zimabawe
Phoebe Snow
Durban & USA
16. Sawalé
Kotoja
Nigeria and USA
17. Casale
Toure Kunda
African, Latin, Brazilian
18. Batonga
Angelique Kidjo
Ouidah or Cotonou, Benin
19. Moi et Toi
Ali Slimani
Algeria
20. Mokote
Madeka (Baoulé ethnic group) Ivory Coast
21. Mambo Yo Yo
Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca (Afro-Latino)
22. Gorilla Man
Condry Ziqubu
23. Mendes Bros.
Angola Beleza Natural
24. 7 Seconds
Neneh Cherry; Youssou N'Dour Sweeden & Senegal
25. Scatterings of Africa
Johnny Clegg Savuka
South Africa
26. Soul Makossa
Manu Dibango
Cameroon (saxophonist)
27. E’mma
Toure Kunda
Senegal
28. Pata Pata
Miriam Makeba
South Africa
Alexandria, South Africa
REFERENCES
"Overseas Territories in Africa." Africa Travel Newsletter. Web. 05 Mar. 2012.
<http://www.africatravelnewsletter.com/territories.htm>.
Unit Two: Studying Africa through the Social Studies." Exploring Africa. Web. 05 Mar. 2012.
<http://exploringafrica.matrix.msu.edu/teachers/curriculum/m6/map3.php>.
"Exploring Africa." Exploring Africa. Web. 05 Mar. 2012. <http://exploringafrica.matrix.msu.edu/>.
"RAINFORESTS IN AFRICA." Rainforests in Africa. Web. 05 Mar. 2012.
<http://kids.mongabay.com/elementary/africa.html>.