Students from St. Andrew Nativity School learn traditional dance from Ghana.
St. Andrew Nativity School photo

A Northeast Portland corner that usually resonates with the sound of Tri-Met buses, children on a school playground and neighbors calling to one another experienced a sound of a different sort. St. Andrew Nativity School students, staff and guests were entertained by Obo Addy and Homowo, a group of musicians presenting the beat and rhythms of authentic Ghanian music.

Addy is well-known to many, but to the students of St. Andrew Nativity School his presentation was a new experience. Drums of all shapes and sizes formed a backdrop for the musicians as Obo Addy took the audience on a musical and cultural tour of his homeland: Ghana, West Africa. The ensemble performed songs from different regions within Ghana, each having its own distinct form and style.

Addy explained that Ghana is home to many cultures, adding that while Christianity is the dominant religion of Ghana, the country is also home to many faiths. “If you travel 30 miles in Ghana, the music, dance and religion changes,” he said.

“Every drum in my country is a talking drum,” said Addy. The audience listened as he told the stories behind the music: the song that would bring rain where it was once dry and cracked, so that rice could be planted; the song the British brought from the people of Liberia; and a High Life song, the first Ghanian music to be given an English name because it had gained recognition in Europe.

A highlight was a song from Southeastern Ghana’s social music for youth, which has many similarities to America’s hip-hop and breakdancing. As the dancers twirled and spun, the students beamed. Toward the end of the performance, audience members were beckoned to the dance floor by dancers who were at once graceful and acrobatic.

“I liked learning how Africans use drums to communicate,” said Artice Jackson, an eighth grader. “It made me feel like I was in Africa. It made me feel proud.”