Evolution of “traditional funeral” songs among the inhabitants of Asante Mampong
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Date
2017-01-23
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Abstract
In Ghana, indigenous songs are regarded commonly as songs of the olden days.
People who understand the need to keep tradition agree that indigenous songs should
be preserved. Most studies of traditional songs have focused on the need to preserve
an aspect of the Ghanaian society, but the major aim of this study is to identify,
documented and notate the traditional funeral songs in Asante Mampong. It will
further throw more light on their role and significance and how they have evolved
over the past three decades for cultural perpetuation. It also sought to identify and
document indigenous funeral songs and the roles they play in the Asante Mampong.
In accomplishing this, the various types of songs were considered namely; adowa,
nwomkorɔ and ayinaa (dirge). These were used because the Municipal under study
cannot do away with them during funeral ceremonies. Stratified and purposive
sampling techniques were adopted for the study. The study revealed that indigenous
funeral songs in Asante Mampong are indispensable and play an integral role in the
funeral celebration among the inhabitants. The role and the significance of the various
types of indigenous songs were derived from the song text. There was the realization
that each song came with its own purpose and has the reason which backs the
composition. It was discovered that indigenous funeral songs performed in the Asante
Mampong municipal are of rich value and have rich histories. It is however
recommended that traditional leaders in Asante Mampong municipal should
encourage the younger generation and adults to learn how to sing traditional songs for
cultural perpetuation. It behooves on scholars in the municipal to document and
notate the various types of indigenous funeral songs in Asante Mampong for future
references.
Description
A thesis report submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in African Art and Culture, 2015