Songs of West Africa: A Collection of over 80 Traditional West African Folk Songs and Chants in 6 Languages with Translations, Annotations (Plastic Comb)

by Dan Gorlin (Author) "The Eve people of West Africa live primarily in coastal regions of southeastern Ghana and southern Togo, divided by a border established by Western leaders..." (more)
Key Phrases: wayi wayi, lead drum, dance episodes, West Africa, Dan Gorlin, Glagovi Tete (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Here's an exciting new resource for anyone interested in African music and culture. Songs of West Africa by Dan Gorlin contains over 80 traditional African folk songs and chants in 6 languages along with extensive translations, annotations and performance notes. It may be the most complete collection of African songs ever published.

The book highlights traditional songs from the Anlo-Ewe, Lobi, Ga-Adangbe, Egu, Foh, and related ethnic groups from Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria. There are sacred songs from Afa, Agzogbo, Gadzo, and Yewe traditions. Also major secular and historical music including Agbekor, Kinka, Atsia, Gahu, Takada, and more.

Many of the songs are simple to learn, and can be easily taught to grade school students or adapted to other styles of music. But the scope of this book goes far beyond children's songs. Each song is explained in terms of cultural context, and translated in a way that helps you form your own interpretation of its meaning. You'll discover that singing the songs of Africa is a superb way to learn about her people, culture, and history -- and it's fun!

The text includes music fundamentals, a pronunciation guide, and useful introductions to West African society, sensibility, and spirituality. Using the companion audio CD (included) you learn by singing along like young Africans do - or just listen and enjoy. The CD was studio-recorded especially for this book, so vocals and harmonies are easily heard over the supporting drums. With insightful perspectives and a wealth of information, this book is a must-have for students, teachers, and libraries.

Language Notes
Text: English

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Product Details

• Plastic Comb: 156 pages
• Publisher: Alokli West African Dance (January 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0970443900
• ISBN-13: 978-0970443908
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #769,187 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars At last - a great way to learn some African music!, September 9, 2002

By	Nancy A. Boxer (United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I wasn't sure what to expect when I bought this, but this book turned out to be really fun to read! Part storytelling, part anthropology, part language lessons, the book introduces not just songs from six different tribal groups but a sense of how they see the world. The songs are translated, plus the pronounciations written out, and you can play the CD and read along with it - a great help if you want to try singing or drumming the music.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Songs of West Africa" by Dan Gorlin is perfect for me. , August 24, 2006

By	Shawn P. Hennessey "Leana Shawn" (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have studied in Ghana and continue to study and teach this music here in Philadelphia, and this book has enough substance to feed a small country of song hungry drummers. Also, it seems the Author also sings and plays the support drums, lead vocal and chorus (overdubbed); which is really incredible because the CD sounds so Ewe~! A must have for anyone who values beauty and hard work!
Shawn Hennessey, Leana Song.

5.0 out of 5 stars A really helpful song source to have!, April 22, 2009

By	V. J. Price (New England) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I recently purchased this after having it on my list for a while - wish I'd done so earlier. Dan put a lot of time and thought into the collection, with a diverse representation of various traditions in West Africa. Personally, I bought this to learn more Ewe (Ghanaian) songs for some of the music my students are playing - the songs were ones I'd never heard, and the recordings made it easy to loop/learn by listening. A pronunciation guide for the various languages is within every section, along with contextual information about the people and the music the songs accompany.

Highly recommended, especially for those like me who have a grasp of the music already and are looking to further their repertoire of songs - nice job Dan!