/ index / culture / history / Akan

Akan

From J. H. Kwabena Nketia's African Music in Ghana, a book on Ghanian music:

"Some instrumental provision is made for the individual performing privately for his own enjoyment. In Akan society, for example, asratoa, a concussion rattle...are found in this context."

In addition, he states the following about its popularity in Drumming in Akan Communities of Ghana:

"...such instruments as...asratoa...are no longer favourites with boys."

Where asratoa refers to another name for the asalato.

This is in comparison to the widespread usage of indigenous drums within contemporary Akan society, which "enjoy, therefore, a unique place in contemporary life."

Of note, the above books were written in 1963.

sources


Nketia, J. H. Kwabena. African music in Ghana. Northwestern University Press. (1963): 6.

Nketia, J. H. Kwabena. Drumming in Akan Communities of Ghana. Thomas Nelson and Sons Ltd. (1963): 4.