Accra (Greater Accra) 25 July 2002-The ‘twinkle, twinkle little stars,” Winneba Youth Choir, are set to release a collection of fifteen popular Ghanaian praise and worship songs on CD and cassette titled Ghana Praise vol. 1. The unveiling of the new album, the Choir’s third, takes place at the National Theatre, Accra on Sunday at 7pm.
The new collection, will be a definite sing-along for most Ghanaians since the songs are very popular. They include Sekyi Baidoo’s Enyigyesem Kese, J. Simpson’s Hen Egya Christ, Ohene Adu Nti’s Kept by the Power of God, Kofi Ani Johnson’s Medze M’Akoma and C.S. Dey’s Dzigbodi.
This is an album, which, according to the choir, is intended as a departure from the pre-dominance of Afro-Carribean reggae, which has, in recent times, strongly influenced contemporary gospel music in Ghana. It offers a variety of accompanying Ghanaian rhythms – Adowa, Agbadza, Apatampa and others - to portray the variety of the country’s indigenous musical types.
One other significant statement that the album makes, without saying so, is the appreciation that the young choristers express to all the Ghanaian composers who have enriched Christian worship with their songs and their selflessness in allowing their music to be interpreted and used by all and sundry.
In all the renditions on the album, the teenagers who comprise the Winneba Youth Choir bring their recognised and much-acclaimed trademark of beautiful, gentle and innocent sounding voices to bear on the songs.
True, these are songs that have been sang many times over in churches and schools but hearing them from the Winneba lads and lasses, the songs are received differently as fresh and brow-raising. The only pity, perhaps, is that the instrumentation, at some sections, do not come off as beautifully as the voices. Many of the breaks and punches rather lead the listener to miss a step or two.
Otherwise, this is a good collection that, because of its medley format, ideally lends itself to praise and worship sessions in churches, retreats, prayer camps, conventions and also for private mediation.
Writing the foreword to the album, Dr Drama M. Cox, the Chair of the Department of Music at the University of Dayton says: “Listeners to this project are in for a special treat. The Winneba singers bring to all their love for God and music. This is clearly articulated in this celebration of Ghanaian praise songs.
“Continuing their reputation for being ‘cutting edge’ they not only celebrate their rich heritage but also introduce the works of Ghanaian composers who may not be known to the recording industry or even church audiences.
“As I listened I thought again how much my own culture is
rooted in that of Ghana. In our churches, we too string together our songs of
praise, accompanied by hand clapping, feet stomping and dance. God be glorified
and lifted higher as you not only listen to the choir but also join your voices
in praise. – Graphic Showbiz
Send your comments to viewpoint@ghanareview.com