Evolution of “traditional funeral” songs among the inhabitants of Asante Mampong

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2017-01-23
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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.
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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
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