Ammasu Akapoma Group

 In the mid-70's our family went to Ghana, my wife Prudence to do fieldwork for her doctoral thesis in social anthropology, and I to learn about west african music first hand. In Dormaa we encountered the magnificent chief of Ammasu and the regionally renowned Akapoma band. They invited us and our two small children to stay and study in their village. Our children spoke the language Twi fluently after one and a half years but then forgot it as quickly once back in Sweden.

In Ammasu I learned from Kwame Yeboah and became a member of the Ammasu Akapoma Group, the hottest music provider at funerals around Dormaa-Ahenkro in the Brong-Ahafu region of Ghana.

After 35 years the music in these recordings is as fresh as ever. This booklet mixes translations from the texts sung or spoken with my and Prudence’s comments.

Any important ritual function will open with pouring of libation, that is, drinks for the ancestors, to ensure a successful activity. Aweso music is light and mobile, including more singing and female participation compared to the official ritual music that uses the bigger Fontomfrom and Atumpan drums. Ever so often the texts are concerned with life and death. - Bengt Berger (from the booklet of  ce07)