Paapa Nyarkoh, The Man Behind The Benya Album

A Grammy Award is an award given by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States to recognise outstanding achievement in the music industry worldwide. An artiste does not have to win the Grammies. Simply being nominated is enough. For, nomination is a firm public declaration by the industry, that you have done something exceptional that year and deserve a pat on the back.

In the 55th edition held on February 10th 2013 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, The Original Wailers, was nominated for Reggae Album of The Year, in recognition of the brilliant album "Miracle", released earlier on in the year. They did not win it eventually, the award going to good old Jimmy Cliff with his "Rebirth" album. And still, it was an occasion for the Original Wailers to lift their heads high and enjoy the adulation and respect that comes with a Grammy nomination. Paapa Nyarkoh was the drummer of the group and it was said, that the group owed much of it's success to Paapa Nyarkoh's "one-drop drum style that brought a rousing energy to crowds at every show."

Back home in Ghana, however, the event went completely unnoticed. And yet, this is Ghana we are talking about. The Black Star of Africa. The land that produced Kofi Ghanaba, a guy who shocked America with a million-selling percussion album, "Africa Speaks, America Responds". This is Ghana, the land that produced Osibisa, the first African band ever to break international boundaries and reach out to the world. And yet, none of these guys ever had the honour of walking those red carpets of the Grammies. And so when I spoke to Paapa Nyarkoh, I wondered whether he was hurt that his achievement went largely unnoticed in his homeland.

"No" he quickly responded "I can imagine myself growing up in Ghana and being asked who the Grammy nominees were. I would have had no clue. We simply do not follow the Grammies in Ghana, but maybe it's time for that to change as more of us make inroads into World Music"

Indeed! Well said Paapa. And change, it will, someday.

Paapa Nyarkoh was born in Elmina, a short walking distance from the Benya Lagoon, to Adjoa Nketsiaba and Kwesi Nyarkoh. He lived close to the huge monstrous Elmina Castle where slaves were kept before their journey to lands unknown. He spent his youth watching the fishermen land ashore with their catch and singing praises to the gods of the land. He gives thanks to the Estrapa Methodist School in Elmina.

Inspired by the sounds of distant drums across the Benya in the early hours of the morning during the annual Edina Bakatue festivals, inspired by the Asafo Warriors singing and dancing in the street right in front of his home amidst the ferocious sounds of gunshots, inspired by the numerous gods of Elmina and our illustrious ancestors long gone, inspired by the stripes on the back of his ancestral slaves, whose spirits and agonising yells stilll hover and echo over the hills of Elmina, he taught himself to play the drum, and the rest, as they say, is history.

He started off in Ghana, a struggling musician trying to eke out a living on the road with several local bands including the Golden Nuggets and Mega Star. Soon, however, he had had enough and began to seek more musical adventure round the world. He migrated to the USA in 2002 where his unique original talent was soon recognised. He proceeded to work with Hugh Masekela, Junior Marvin, Glen Washington, Everton Blender and a host of other world stars, too many to mention here. But more importantly, he became the regular drummer of the Original Wailers, leading to his Grammy nomination for the album "Miracle". He has toured every corner of the world, where his immense talent has always been applauded, wherever he has been to.

The album "Benya" is his first solo album. And if you, like me, have had doubts about listening to a percussion and voice-only album, then doubt no more. For this album is bound to lift you over the horizons, into an almost trance-like commune with our ancestors.

"When I'm playing, my influences fall on me like rain" he said

I promise you, that in this album, everything fell on him. He was influenced by the sound of the drums across the Benya, the sounds of the fishermen as they landed ashore, the sound of the kelewele seller across the road, the sounds of the market women as they struggled to clear their wares, the sounds of the Asafo drummers along the street, the sounds of the fetish chants to the gods of Elmina and the sounds of hope for a better life ahead. And Paapa talks about his instrument and album with a passion that could only be admired.

"You see, the drum is the first instrument of sound and creation. It's powerful rhythms leave you breathless and hypnotised. It moves you to shake your body and you never get tired of listening because it's full of life"

For this album, Paapa used a full Fontonfrom ensemble, comprising two dowuro (bells), two atumpan drums, two Apenteng drums, one apetia drum and two big From drums. The Fontonfrom is traditionally a royal and war music. It is now often employed in royal funerals and for royal processions during festivities. In days long gone, these drums were also instruments of communication between villages.

"It requires a lot of timing, especially from the dowuro. The energetic rhythms these drums create can be extremely complex, but when they all come together, they sound so pleasing and rhythmic."

And listening to the album, one is immediately struck by the energy, rhythm, and hypnotic vibes. Just listen to the talking drums on "Akwaaba", the dance rhythms on "Benya" and the war victory celebration chants on "Yereko".

"Menayei (track 8) and Aketekete (track 9) are special tracks only played by my people during Edina bronya. Aketekete is warrior music and Menayei is played from door to door to wish our ancestors and the people of Edina a Happy New Year. It's back to our roots!

Indeed it is. I listened to thirteen Paapa Nyarkoh songs with just percussion and voice and was engaged and entertained all the way through. Each song had it's own story to tell and a vibrancy all it's own. That is the genius of the album.

"So how come you are so humble despite all your achievements?" I cheekily enquired.

He smiled modestly.
"I see my talent as a gift from God. My humility is my way of honouring Him."

Need I say more?
Get your copies on http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/PaapaNyarkoh

Papa Appiah
www.Ghanansemsem.blogspot.com