By John Owoo
(In Accra – Ghana)
The night air at the Goethe-Institut was filled with wild rhythms from two traditional Ghanaian string instruments – Kologo and Gonje – alongside trombones, trumpets, guitars and keyboards, which turned the space into a music groove.
Indeed, Village Junction, an eight-piece band with Anthony Awingura on kologo and gonje, exhibited staggering energy during the hugely entertaining concert that emphasized the power and capabilities of traditional Ghanaian instruments.
With Ebenezer Obeng (drums), Nicholas Dadzie (bass), Daniel Quarshie (guitar), Elijah Fosu (trumpet), Michael Barnor (trombone) and Caleb Obeng (keyboard), the group showcased spectacular virtuosity while making use of all the tricks and extended techniques they have mastered over the years.
“The introduction of these traditional instruments as lead appliances made a huge difference. It is important for Ghanaian groups to showcase the competences of these instruments”, said Ute Schmidt, an anthropologist from the German capital, Berlin.
“It was a remarkable achievement, although technically complex – indisputably, the symbolism will not be lost on anyone deprived of such powerful music over the past years”, added Kofi Oduro, a musician in Accra.
As the night dragged on, tune after tune appeared to emerge from the depths of a pit while floating effortlessly through a suspenseful soundscape that caught the attention of patrons, who cheered and applauded in response.
The concert, without doubt showcased a sprightly relaxed set – with Awuni’s kologo / gonje providing a thrumming heartbeat to what appeared as improvisational yet solid compositions that triggered deep reflection.
Guitarist Nii Osabu Lozo and singer / songwriter Brenya jammed the concert with their own flair and nuances as they inundated the stage with voices that seemed to soar in the air like birds in flight.
A film by Jakob Gegenbach titled “LABADI – Sounds of a Neighborhood”, which documented residents of Labadi, a sprawling neighborhood of Accra and characterized by a variety of sounds and noises was screened as part of events lined up for the evening.
Goethe-Institut Ghana sponsored the concert.
A wonderful evening it was 🌹💯