Week 9: Sounds of Ghana: A Musical Journey Back Home

"We embarked on a musical journey as we returned to the heart of Africa, specifically to my homeland, Ghana, with The Libation Street Band. We invited everyone to join us for an unforgettable grand finale at the Union Summer Market in Toronto, where the rhythm of Ghana came alive.

The stage was graced by the incredible talents of Rudy Ray, Marcus Ali, Dave Chan, Patrice Barbanchon, Jamie Stager and Joseph Callender, all ready to make the audience dance to the captivating melodies and infectious beats inspired by the rich tapestry of Ghanaian folk songs. We transported our audience to distinct regions of the West African nation: they experienced the vibrant Highlife spirit and the enduring brass band tradition of the Volta, savored the cool rhythms of the Palm Wine era music from the Akan, and immersed themselves in the enigmatic cyclical rhythms of the Dagomba.

As a proud native of the Volta region and a member of the Ewe tribe, it was a personal mission for me to infuse our music with the melodic phrasings that are unique to my people. Our performances at festivals in towns like Ho, Aflao, Hohoe, and Keta in the Volta region of Ghana were a testament to the cultural richness we brought to every note we played.

But the magic didn't stop there! Our show also featured my close friend and stand-up comedian, Tahsin Chowdhury, who closed out the concert series with laughter and thought-provoking performances that left the audience both entertained and inspired. It was a musical and comedic extravaganza that celebrated the spirit of Ghana and the bonds of friendship."