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Asante (Ashanti) History Much of the modern nation of Ghana

MUSIC

Ghana is often described as a land of festivals, music, and traditional dances. There is hardly any community, clan, or tribe which lacks an occasion to celebrate annually.
There are three main types of music: ethnic or traditional music, normally played during festivals and at funerals;


“highlife” music, which is a blend of traditional and ‘imported’ music; and choral music, which is performed in concert halls, churches, schools and colleges.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Axatse

is the name of this rattle or idiophone. It is constructed by hollowing out a gourd or calabash. Then beads are attached to it with some string which is woven around it in a fishnet style design
Gankogui is the name of this double bell or gong. It is constructed from iron. In Ewe music in general, and during Atsiã in particular, gankogui keeps the time.


Kaganu is a narrow drum or membranophone. It is about two feet tall, its head is about three inches in diameter and it is open at the bottom.


Kidi is a drum which is about two feet tall, its head is about nine inches in diameter and has a closed bottom. Kidi responds to calls from the lead drummer.
Sogo is the largest of the supporting drums used to play Atsiã.  In some other pieces it is used as a lead drum. It is about two and a half feet tall, its head is about ten inches in diameter and it is closed at the bottom.


Atsimevu
is the lead drum. It is a narrow drum approximately four
feet tall and its head is about eleven inches in diameter
Kpalogo Drum
Childs Drum    
Carved fro a single piece of wood, covered in skin to create the drum head. It belongs to the percussion family and is classified as a membranophone.