The Role of Drumming in Ghana’s Cultural Expression

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KEY POINTS

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• Drumming has been a central means of communication and cultural expression among Ghanaian ethnic groups for centuries.
• Specific drumming patterns are integral to ceremonies, symbolizing various stages and reinforcing communal bonds.
• Drumming conveys narratives of historical events and moral lessons, preserving oral histories.

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Drumming in Ghana is not just a musical performance but a profound cultural phenomenon which is an inseparable part of the nation’s image. Using drumming in communication, storytelling, honoring its great significance in ceremonial events as well as daily life, ensures the continuity of traditions.

Historical significance of drumming

Drumming is an essential part of Ghanaian culture and tradition and was the common method of passing information from one ethnic group to the other.

For example the Akan people use Atumpan drums known as ‘talking drums’, to pass messages over the hills by imitating the tones in their language.  That is the reason why this practice shows that a drum does not belong only to music but also is a means of information, ensuring social integration.

Drumming patterns in Ghana are relative to different stages in ceremonial events with special drum patterns for distinct phases in the event.

Whenever there is a festival, such as the Awukudae Festival, the Akans lash and dance to drum beats to pay tribute to their forefathers and culture.  These rhythmicities are not mere entertainment; they tell tales and are at the heart of the rituals acting as anidentity markers for shared culture and future anchored in the past.

Drumming as a medium for storytelling

Ghanaian drumming is a narrative art form, conveying stories of historical events, moral lessons, and communal values.

The Ewe people, for example, perform complex drumming sequences that narrate tales of bravery and social norms.  These performances serve as oral histories, preserving the collective memory and educating younger generations about their heritage.

Social functions and community building

Beyond ceremonies, drumming in Ghana functions as a social glue, bringing communities together. In many villages, communal drumming sessions are common, fostering unity and collective identity.

These gatherings provide a platform for social interaction, conflict resolution, and the reinforcement of societal norms, highlighting the drum’s role in maintaining social harmony.

Drumming and Dance: An inseparable duo

In Ghanaian culture, drumming and dance are intertwined, each enhancing the other’s expression. Traditional dances like Gahu are performed to specific drumming patterns, with each movement corresponding to particular beats. 

This synergy creates a dynamic cultural expression, showcasing the community’s artistic heritage and providing a medium for storytelling and celebration.

Preservation of cultural heritage

Despite all these modern developments, drumming is still one of the strongest cultural bases in Ghana. To prevent such cultural erosion there are educational instructional programs, and cultural festivals that aim to pass on the art of drumming to the young generations.

Such plans make sure that owners of such rhythms, or associate cultures to the rhythms, continuously pass the rhythms, hence keeping Ghana’s rich traditional heritage intact.

Drumming in contemporary Ghana

Today, however, the trends have remained and advanced and are used in production of modern musical productions and performances.

Groups employ African style drums in combination with western instruments and harmonize traditional music with contemporary music forms, which can be enjoyed by the domestic as well as the foreign market.

This shift is only an indication of subtlety of the changing Ghanaian culture, it is, therefore, able to maintain its strength and form in new modes.