Honoring the Departed

Ammasu Akapoma Group - The Music of Ammasu
Ammasu Akapoma Group – The Music of Ammasu
The Music of Ammasu is a collection of field recordings featuring the Ammasu Akapoma Group. They were made in 1976 in Brong-Ahafu, Ghana. The group was one of the leading performers of music for funerals at the time. Ammasu Akapoma Group’s energetic drum and vocal music comes back to life in 2008 via Swedish record label  Country and Eastern.

"…1975-77 I was studying music in Ghana with the Ewe- Brong- and Lo-Birifor peoples," says Swedish musician and producer Bengt Berger, who made  the recordings. "I stayed for a long time with my family in the small village of Ammasu near Dormaa in Brong-Ahafu to learn from the Ammasu Akapoma Group, the hottest providers of music for the funerals in the area.

The Music of Ammasu is a musical portrait of the village of Ammasu with an extensive 28 page booklet with detailed liner notes and photos. Bengt Berger provides details about his encounters with the musicians and their families, while doing ethnomusicological research. "On this album you will find ritual and recreational drumming, singing in sorrow and happiness, children’s music, a brass band and more," continues Berger. "Texts and photos will also be put up on the Country & Eastern site showing the making of the Atumpan drums, musical life, portraits and life in the village. Three mp3 albums will give you more drumming, singing and analytical recordings for those interested in how west African drumming pieces are actually put together."

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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.

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