The colonial era introduced various elements to Ghanaian society, one of which is the well-known choral music.
Since its introduction in the 19th century by Christian missionaries, choral music has been woven into many important Ghanaian moments.
Most national events such as independence celebrations and presidential inaugurations are almost never complete without melodious choral performances.
For churchgoers and Senior High school students, choral has practically been a part of their upbringing until recently.
The popularity of the music genre has declined significantly in recent years, particularly among younger Ghanaians.
What is choral music?
Choral music in simple terms is music that is performed by a group of singers, or a choir. It is normally made of Western hymns and anthems.
It can be performed with or without instruments.
This music genre as it is known in Ghana today was revolutionised by great composers like the pioneering Ephraim Amu who added some elements of traditional Ghanaian music.
Ephraim Amu
Many notable composers have contributed to the growth and development of Ghanaian choral music, but it is Ephraim Amu’s work, more than any other, that has helped shape the genre’s trajectory.
Amu who had grown up with influences of indigenous Ghanaian music and with exposure to Western music wrote a series of choral works infused with the local drums and bamboo flute (atenteben) for various occasions.
He coined a model of choral composition that hugely influenced later composers such as J.H.K. Nketia, Newlove Annan, James Varrick Armaah, and others.
His compositions like the popular Yen ara asase ni, Yaanom Abibrimma, Adikanfo Mo, and Asem yi di ka were sung in schools and incited Africanism, patriotism, hard work, and celebration of the forefathers in their audiences.
But these tunes have now been relegated to the announcements of national exercises such as voter registration and elections, which happen once in four years.
One will then wonder, what is causing choral music to fade from the contemporary music scene?
Some can be attributed to the rise of interest in other music genres like Hip life, Pop, Hip pop, Afrobeats, Amapiano, and others among the new generation.
Others may also argue that stakeholders have not invested in the genre like the others. Out of the numerous musical concerts that are organized yearly in the country, one barely hears of choral music concerts.
Music Miscellany hosted by Pikuss Laryea on state television many years ago, and other shows that entertained Ghanaian audiences while also promoting the respected genre have all been replaced by hard news and current affairs programmes as well as political debates.
Despite the declining popularity, choirs and individuals like the Harmonious Chorale, Winneba Youth Choir, Accra Symphony Orchestra, Lordina the Soprano, Kokui Selormey Hanson, Margaret Ferguson, and others are still carrying the genre high and entertaining music lovers.
These choirs have been representing Ghana in international festivals and winning awards in the field.