The Socio-cultural Context of Dirges among the Akan People in the Ejisu Communities in the Ashanti Region of Ghana: Aesthetics and Intonation

Abstract

This study analyses the aesthetics and intonations of dirges premised on the socio-cultural context of the Akan people in the Ejisu Communities in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The study used ethnographic research case study design. Observation, video recording, interview guide and focus group discussion were used to glean data from five professional dirge performers. The findings were presented in quotations. The study found four major themes in the dirges performed among the Akan people in the study area. These include ‘Agyaadwo×›',‘Benab×›',‘mm×›nb×›' and ‘Kwadwom'. The study further found that when the prosody of Akan dirges is considered, it is clear that there is no even beat in a piece as a whole, though there is a scattered use of prosodic patterns of various kinds throughout the dirge. Again, the study found the rhythm of Akan dirges to be free in the sense that there is no handclapping or percussion accompaniment to the singing, nor is it intended for dancing. The codification of indigenous Akan dirges is imperative as it sustains the socio-cultural identity of the Akan people. The economic potentials of dirge can also be harnessed as the study found performers who used it as their major source of livelihood.