The Ashanti culture in Ghana is deeply rooted in the past, the present, and in all aspects of expressive communication. Drumming represents perhaps the greatest aspect of Ashanti culture, and it has evolved far beyond its use as a form of musical expression to become a true language for the Akan people.
Through rhythmic pattern and through the sounds produced by the drum, the drummer tells the story of the occasion he is drumming about especially festivals, ceremonies, funerals, etc. And he communicates his message to those listening. The skilled drummer understands the different rhythmic patterns that will convey the message or tell the story, and thus the drums "speak" to those that can hear what they are saying.
The craftsmanship of the Ashanti Drums is truly remarkable. Each drum is hand-carved from wood and then covered with animal skin. These drums are made with great care, and each drum maker has a great deal of respect for both the craft and the finished product. And when these drums are played during ceremonies and other special occasions, the deep resonant sound of the drums commands immediate attention and brings everyone together.
In addition to drumming, the Ashanti culture also includes dancing. As the drummer speaks through his drumming, the dancer responds to the drumming and moves in accordance with the rhythm and the message communicated through the drumming. In essence, every movement of the body and every expression on the face of the dancer becomes a part of the conversation between the drummer and the dancer and ultimately becomes a shared cultural experience.
These moments represent the richness and depth of the Ghanaian culture. The combination of the drums, the dancers, and the community creates a setting that feels very alive and is very much connected to the past of the people. It connects people to their ancestors and enhances their sense of self-identity.
Drumming will continue to be a major source of the preservation of Ashanti traditions. It will keep the history of the people alive, and it will inspire pride in their culture and in their ability to express themselves creatively. Through the rhythmic expressions and the physical movements of the dancers, the Ghanaian culture will remain strong and will continue to be a beautiful, powerful, and rich way of communicating – a way of expressing oneself that is spoken not only with words but also with sound and motion.
