Okaidja Afroso – Àbòr Édiń (Àbɔɔ Édíŋ) Echoes of Africa from the Ancient Sacred Tree (Chechekule Records, 2024)
Àbòr Édiń/Àbɔɔ Édíŋ (Melanin Earth Garden in the Gãdangmé language of coastal Ghana) is the latest project in Okaidja Afroso’s profound Ancient Africa Wisdom Trilogy. This album follows the pattern of its predecessor, Jaku Mumor (Jàkú Mũmɔ – Ancestral Spirit), intertwining modern Ghanaian narratives with traditional tales of the past, all while casting a thoughtful gaze towards the future.
Afroso’s palm wine roots are evident in the delightful nylon-string guitar accompaniments, notably on the opener, “Fóó Tè.” His songs are deeply rooted in Ghanaian rhythms, as well as call-and-response vocals and engaging choruses. Even though the arrangements are not rich in terms of wide range of musical instruments, the acoustic guitars, light percussion, bass and vocals, come together to present a highly enjoyable, varied, accessible and creative recording. In addition to Ghanaian influences, Afroso also adds Brazilian samba percussion, touches of jazz harmony, and complex vocal arrangements.
“The third eye-vision I had for this project was – what if Africa had never been colonized by The West? How would we have evolved till now? This realization encourages me to strip all the melodies that have influenced my thought as an artist, to dig deeper into my soul to allow fresh new pathways to form. The music in Àbòr Édiń combines poetry and storytelling to connect the listener to my newfound oasis.”
Okaidja Afroso, born in Kokrobite, Accra, into a family of musicians and storytellers, began his career as a dancer with the Ghana Dance Ensemble. He expanded his artistic vision to become a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and arranger. His uncle, a notable composer in their town, wrote songs about local life, while his mother, a lead singer in her spiritual church, earned the nickname “the spiritual singer.” As a boy, Okaidja learned traditional sea songs while working on fishing boats.
At 19, Okaidja joined the Ghana Dance Ensemble at the University of Ghana’s Institute of African Studies, excelling in Gadangme Oracle traditional dances. The ensemble provided him with opportunities to study with top teachers in the country. In 1997, he toured the U.S. with the ensemble and later taught Ghanaian music and dance in Germany before moving to the U.S. to join Okropong, a traditional Ghanaian music and dance group.
Okaidja’s debut album, The Traditionalist, is a raw interpretation of the folkloric songs he grew up with. His second album, Obutu Apla, explores the African Diaspora’s influence on his music. This led to the formation of his band, Okaidja & Shokoto, which fuses traditional and contemporary African rhythms with music from the African Diaspora. Teaching himself guitar, Okaidja developed a unique style praised for its originality.
His album Messenger reflects his career as a cultural messenger, combining traditional Ghanaian music with modern elements. In 2016, he rearranged “Children Go Where I Send Thee” for Portland Repertory Theatre, incorporating Ghanaian fishermen’s singing styles. His 2017 album, The Palmwine Sea, connects his musical transitions with African influences in Latin America, embodying human experiences.
In 2018, Okaidja composed original music for the dance piece “Crash” for Jacob Jonas The Company. His success is evident in his audiences’ connection to his music, which bridges traditional and modern narratives.
Okaidja’s compositions aim to inspire and teach, combining African and global elements for a unique sound. His album Jaku Mumor (Ancestral Spirit), first chapter of his Ancient Africa Wisdom Trilogy, included a mini-documentary and a music video depicting Gãdangmé culture.
He collaborated with Canadian harmonica virtuoso Mike Stevens on “Where’s the One?” where he mixed Ghana’s Gold Coast music with North American folk and blues.
Song list (poetic translation by Naa Tsotsoo Osekreh):
1 – Fóó Tè
As nature intended for us to evolve in this lifetime, mindfully and courageously moving forward in embracing life consciously, can we realise that non-existence already exists, and that which we do not understand has its meaning.
Like our eyes gifted by nature to see ahead of each step we take, for a stone cast behind us we see not where it lands, and it will lead to chaos; it is only when we cast a stone ahead of us, can we see where and how far it lands.
2 – Kasoa
Kasoa Ooh Kasoa, reminiscing how beautiful and bustling your pleasing ambiance was in the days of old; many a people traversing across your path with simplicity.
Like life, there are beginnings and endings (Gbó and Gbòɛnãã); seasons of rain and dryness; there will be meetings and partings, and joys and sorrows.
May we journey with ease, and hope to cross paths again in another lifetime.
Living thoughtfully, cherishing our dearest families and earnest friends as we sail through life.
3 – Woowoti
The invisible voice of the Ancestor is echoing the beautiful sound of your African name from the cosmic realm.
Only in your stillness of mind can you hear the striking chords resounding your ancient name, resonating with the spirit of the invisible voice – you are, your Great Ancestors.
4 – Àkpàlé
Sadly, we no longer have sentimental expressions of our love; our indifference towards each other causing us turmoil. Sudden changes weighing heavy on the heart, letting go is the only resolve, for one is born to love, and be loved – Love borrowed is fragile, love only truly heals in reciprocity.
5 – Àtsii Nū Naa
Nature’s water bodies carve their own natural path, tributaries flowing till they reach their source. Unbending to the will of man in relinquishing their force as the source of life.
So is the soul of the African spirit resilient; like her Mother Earth follows her natural path as the soul of life, the African spirit finds its place naturally as one with Earth.
In this soul, the mysteries of Earth are hidden, and the spiritual force of Life is coded.
6 – Àbòr Édiń
Sun rises and sets following its path in time, irrespective of human emotion.
Infinite years in courtship with melanin earth garden, a lifetime swiftly wanes.
Lessons from nature teach, all things have their natural order, following their pattern and time.
People come in our lives for a reason, a season, and a lifetime, losing many along the journey of life.
The scenic changes in nature have their time, seasons and reasons, reminding us; time waits for nobody.
7 – Jojo
Papa, Father, Ataa Jojo, how I wish you listened to my yearnings with your heart and not your ears.
My only wish was to fulfill the filial embrace of love between Father and Son, with enduring and fond memories full of life lessons that grow with me.
Gloomily, this was far beyond my reach, leaving me in a state of melancholy, hoping time will heal the despair; yet knowing endless sadness suffers the spirit.
8 – Nō Tsámór
Unwelcoming dimensions of life have changed the course of nature in our realm of Earth.
The vicissitudes of life have led to unbridled human nature;
its burdens we can barely bear.
Lessons from nature reveal longevity of Mother Earth;
her force surpasses the force of humans.
For all coming into her path will come to pass, leaving Mother Earth behind.
9 – Black Soil Woman
I come from nature, made of melanin; I am, the black soil Woman.
Made of Sun, burnt not by her force; I am the Cosmic carbon.
I am Mother Africa, the natural herbalist healing the world.
I am the ancient Mother oracle holding the mysteries and signs
of Nature.
My ageless beauty, I embrace, revering my ancient ancestors’ timeless wisdom.
10 – Nū Ké Là
Osa(Ataa); Awo(Naa); Nii Ayi Kushi – (Nii Ayi of Kush)
Ancestors of our Nile river homeland.
Journeying from Kush-Nubia-Kemet to a newfound land by the waters (Nū).
Sustained by the fiery spirit of the sun (Là).
In harmony you lived with all elements of nature.
Oneness in spirit is your path to enlightenment engraved in
our hearts.
In oneness our enduring strength.
Away from your side, lost our sight.
Turned from your teachings, our wisdom adrift.
Yearning for your ancient knowledge, elucidated,
your wisdom embraced.
Like the African Swift (Nyɔŋmɔ bí TƐté), we soar high above the skies, illuminated with your wisdom.
All songs written, composed, arranged and produced by Okaidja Afroso
Musicians: Okaidja Afroso on lead vocals, guitar, percussion; Francis Osei on percussion; Nee Mantse on bass and vocals; Janet Qauye on vocals; David Rajaonary on second guitar on Fóó Tè; and Napoleon Nartey on second guitar on Àbór Édiń, and Nō Tsámór.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.