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Ghana is a country located on the west coast of Africa, known for its cultural diversity, vibrant festivals, and deep-rooted musical traditions. With over 100 ethnic groups and more than 70 languages spoken, Ghana’s music reflects a wide range of customs, histories, and ways of life.

 

From the coastal Ga communities in Accra to the Ewe people of the Volta Region and the Akan groups in the central and southern areas, music is central to community life. It is heard during naming ceremonies, funerals, storytelling, religious rituals, royal events, and everyday gatherings.

 

Traditional/folk music in Ghana is not only about the sound, it is a way of preserving history, expressing values, and connecting generations. Instruments like the talking drum (Atumpan), the double bell (Gankogui), and the rattle (Axatse) are used alongside songs and dances to communicate messages, honor ancestors, and celebrate life.

Introduction to Ghana

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What to Expect

I will be uploading music from various cultures for:

  • Teachers who want to use them in their classrooms

  • Anyone interested in learning about Ghanaian traditional and folk music

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This section introduces:

  • Traditional music from different regions of Ghana, including Akan, Ewe, and Ga communities

  • Instruments such as the Atumpan (talking drum), Gankogui (double bell), Axatse (rattle), and Kpanlogo drums

  • Dance forms like Adowa, Agbadza, and Kpanlogo, and their roles in community life

  • The cultural meanings behind rhythms, instruments, and songs

  • Educational materials for use in schools and learning environments

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What to look forward to:

  • Audio clips of traditional songs and rhythms

  • Pronunciation guides and brief language notes

  • Images and explanations of musical instruments

  • Lesson ideas and resources for educators

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This page is part of a growing archive of traditional music and cultural knowledge meant to support learning, appreciation, and respectful engagement.

Ga Fishermen Song (Babababashibaba)

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Country: Ghana 
Music Style: Kpanlogo
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Song Overview:
A Fun and Energetic Song from Ghana
What is this song about?
Baba Baba Shibaba is a traditional song from the Ga people in Accra, Ghana. It’s a song that fishermen sing early in the morning as they get ready to go out to sea. The song helps them stay energized, happy, and united while they work together.
Even though the words don’t have a clear meaning, they’re called vocables.​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Videos of the Song:

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Want to Teach or Learn More?

Check out the full lesson plan with activities, stories, reflection questions, and more

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Includes:

✔ Storytelling script which gives the cotext of the song (created by me)

✔ Dance & rhythm patterns

✔ Improvisation activities

✔ Reflection questions

✔ Song translations​

More About Fishing in Ghana

Cocooned in Harmony – A short video about fishing in Ghana

Western Region

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Central Region

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Senyiwa Dedende (Pɛtɛ Pɛtɛ)

Country: Ghana (West Africa)

Song Tyepe: Akan Folk Song

Language: Fante

Used for: Storytelling, play, music-making, building empathy

Accompanied by: Basic Apatampa dance and clapping rhythm

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Background

Pete Pete has various translations. According to one school of thought which is probably the most common and what I learned; this Akan children’s song depicts a scenario where a child may have spent too much time in playing with his friends instead of helping in preparation of the meal at home. When the meal is ready, the mother calls the child using the nickname; Senyiwa Dedende. (Dende is an expression for a hug. Maame o Dende, Papaa o Dennde (Atuu))
The child will pretend is not important to listen to elders unless the information is especially enticing. The conversation develops as a way to find out just how important the call to come home is. When the child hears her favorite meal (fufu & Abenkwan) is served she is excited to come home. She runs home in excitement with her friends.

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Videos:

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Want to Teach or Learn More?

Check out the full lesson plan with activities, stories, reflection, questions and more

Includes:
✔ Storytelling script which gives the cotext of the song (created by me)
✔ Dance & rhythm patterns
✔ Improvisation activities
✔ Reflection questions
✔ Song translations​

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Choral Arrangement
By George Mensah Esilfie

Volta Region

Tu! Tu! Gbɔvi

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Background:

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Tu! Tu!  GbÉ”vi is an ewe cradle song sang to babies in order to put them to sleep. This song is sung widely in Ghana by parent, children and musicians who have recorded different versions of this song​

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Music Sheets

  • Amoaku, W. K., & Orff, C. (1971). African songs and rhythms for children: A selection from Ghana. B. Schott’s Söhne.

 

Books

  • Amoaku, W. K., & Orff, C. (1971). African songs and rhythms for children: A selection from Ghana. B. Schott’s Söhne.

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Websites

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Videos:

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