Music as Identity

Volume I of Music of the Ga People of Ghana, recorded in 1971 and released in 1978, features recordings of Ga funeral music, called Adowa, which is also played for rulers holding court and the annual harvest festival honoring ancestors. Music is sung by ensembles organized by age and gender, with the most prominent singers in their middle and later years of life. This structure reflects the Ga belief that death is not the end of life; rather, the deceased is transformed into a spiritual, immortal being—a cause for celebration. Liner notes include photographs of musicians and instruments as well as explanations of the music and cultural traditions.