For each song, the following pages provide lyrics, followed by a short interview with Norvor. The symbol ◊ marks repeats. Note that slight linguistic variations occur, and that sung Eʋe differs from written Eʋe. Affirmative interjections (e.g. ahein) are characteristically Ghanaian.
Kinka drumming
1. Medo agoo na mi (I greet you)
Poetry and music by Novor
Medo agoo na mi, me nyiba na mi hee I greet you, I pay you my deep respect me gbɔna kple hagbeawo I am coming with words-of-song medo agoo na mi, me gbɔ na kple hagbeawo I greet you, I am coming with words-of-song ◊ ye wo tɔ Kinkaviwo fellow members of the Kinka group nusẽdodo, nɔvisilelẽ, na nye ta ɖo dzi nami perseverance and brotherliness should be our aim ◊ me yɔ dada Mɔte, Ami Wormenor I call Mother Mɔte, Ami Wormenor Vivian Sabla — Christi Oduga, Alugbavi Agorsor, Angel Gidiglo Vivian Sabla — Christi Oduga, Alugbavi Agorsor, and Angel Gidiglo ha via wo katã mia wɔ deka all the group members should be united ◊ dela Yesu Kristo kpakple Gbɔgbɔɔ Kɔkɔe na dzo mia ta saviour Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit guard us ◊ ne Kinka ʋua vagbo dzi when the Kinka drum comes out me gbɔ na kple hagbeawo I am coming with words- of-song ◊ ne ga nye a me gã woe yɔm ha even if the elders call for me me gbɔ na, fia ha woe yɔm I will come. Even if chiefs call for me ha me gbɔ na hee I will come for sure ◊
What is this song about?
It’s all about unity. We are in a Society, so I want us to be united, so that all of us can come together and do things together. Not just the Society, but also the country. It came to me when we were about to celebrate our 35th anniversary of the Society, when it came. So I did the composition...when it came, we were about it. Mmm. As it is well understood, I mean the music, to the public, they like it. Yes.
2. Agbemefuwo (difficulties in life)
Poetry and music by Novor
Nɔvɔ be ’gbemefuwo tum alea Norvor says he is facing difficulties in this life me ke ma gblɔe na whom shall he tell ɛse la me li o hee there is nobody to listen to me ◊ nyea me ku agbe drɔẽI had a very nice dream wo tsi alɔme nam he but I left it in my sleep ◊ duawo ɖia nyi keŋ the public assembled me tse nuku ʋuu and I looked round tɔ nye me le me o hee but mine is not among them ◊ fuvi me tsia fu me ku na o hee the child that is born into hardship does not die of it gbe ko ma do ɖa be aʄetɔ Yesue na vɛ nu nye hee I can only pray to Lord Jesus to help me ◊
How did you think of this song?
Really, that time, I was under a pressure. So it came all of a sudden. Mhein. I was under a pressure. Actually, I put up a building by then, and I was not having any money to roof it. Such, I went round, I asked one, two, or three persons. They could not help me. So really, even by then, we were ejected from a house. And as mine was uncompleted, it became a tug-of-war. I did all my best. So the song came to me that, okay, “Even in time of difficulty, no one to assist. When I look round, there was no one to assist. I leave everything to the almighty God.” So that was how the song came to me. In reality it is all because of some certain things. So I only lamented.
3. Gbetɔ nye tɔ goglo (human being is a deep river).
Poetry and music by Novor
Gbetɔ nye tɔ goglo human being is a deep river kpɔlinye ke losogbe my destiny is to be unappreciated ◊ ye wo tɔ Kinkaviwo fellow members of the Kinka group me gbe tɔ na nye na za ne nɔ via you should know your steps, know how to walk with your fellow man ◊ nye me gble asi wo nu o I have not offended anyone in the market nye me gble agble wo nu o hee I have not offended anyone in the farm gbetɔ nye tɔ go glo human being is a deep river kpɔlinye ke losogbe my destiny is to be unappreciated ◊
Most of the songs, at times it comes to me only when there may be some pressures, you see. Or at least I have to lament. So, “gbetɔ nye tɔ goglo.” Human being is just like a deep river. It will be very hard before you can get to the other ground. “Gbetɔ nye tɔ goglo.” Inner part of a human being, or his mind, you can never, you can’t know it. When he means to do something wrong against you, or bad against you, you never know. He’ll be laughing and keep on laughing. Oh no, no, no. He’ll do something bad against you. So, very hard to know.
4. Kugbea wo ta (because of the day of death)
Poetry and music by Novor’s elder cousin, Dunyo
Kugbea wo ta lo because of the day of death danye viwo gblem ɖi my relatives have forsaken me ◊ mi kpɔe ɖa Kinkaviwo look, fellow members of the Kinka group mea ve dza wu ge I come to sprinkle song mi va kpɔe nam come and witness it for me ◊ tɔ ha me le ye si o I have no father nɔ ha me le ye si o I have no mother nya me tsia ko go I remain lonely ◊ nyea me le agbe me wo lea la nam if my lifetime is like this ne me he ku ɖe ha what of the day of death kugbea wo ta lo because of the day of death danye viwo gblem ɖi my relatives have forsaken me ◊
What is this song about?
Well, you know, when you look round, you know you are alone. You keep on thinking how [it will] be the very day, when I am not, [when] I’m no more in this life. You keep on thinking about it.
So you are thinking about the future? About death?
Yes. At times when there are some certain things, you weigh things you feel. So, I have to remember that day. I don’t know how it will be.
So, this song isn’t a lament. It’s just thinking?
Yes. About the very day. When God will call you to the glory. Because maybe when you are thinking about some, you are watching some... Maybe two things— maybe that day, whether I’ll be rejected or my family or maybe some other people rather will come ‘round to assist. You keep on thinking about this. Maybe there are some events or there are some certain things. You, you keep on thinking about, “What about that very day, when I’ll not be, I’ll no more be in this life?” Eihm. That is “kugbea wota.”
5. Afrika dukplɔlawo (leaders of Africa)
Poetry and music by Novor
Afrika dukplɔlawo leaders of Africa Mawu ne yira mi God bless you all ◊ mia nɔ agbe sesie long live the leaders of Africa akplɔ du kɔ wo hãyi ɖe mavɔ me you should lead your countries forever ◊ mia tɔ Kinkaviwo oh Kinka comrades Ghana zu ɤleti nyuiea de Ghana is a star keklem na dukɔ wo shining over Africa ◊ miawɔ ɖeka hee unite miazɔ ɖeka hee unity de nyigba Afrika land of Africa Mawu neyra wo God bless you ◊
So that is the one calling for Ghana to be a star? We have to...Ghana is a star shining to the whole of Africa.
How did that one come to you?
The song? That song. (Norvor laughs) Was it for a special occasion?
Yes, by then we were going to, I mean, to GBC [Ghana Broadcasting Corporation], for our recording. Our first cassette. The day before that [was] when it came to me. So I told you that we were on the way when we were learning the song.
You were teaching it?
Yes. In the lorry. In the lorry. “The whole of Africa, you have to unite. Yes. The leaders of Africa should all unite.” So, that is complete unity.
6. Miva mido gbe ɖa ɖe South Africa ta (come let us pray for South Africa)
Poetry and music by Novor
Miva mido gbe ɖa ɖe South Africa dukɔ ta oo come let us pray for the country of South Africa meyibɔ viwo le fu kpem le afima ɖaa blacks are suffering over there Mawu newoe ne woaxɔ ɖokuisinɔnɔ ee may God help them achieve independence ◊ yewotɔ Kinkaviwo fellow members of the Kinka group Nelson Mandela kpakple wotɔ wo Nelson Mandela and others wo tsɔ woɖo kui sãvɔe ɖe dukɔwo ta sacrificed themselves for their country ◊ ʋu kɔkɔ ɖi kple aboyomenɔnɔ bloodshed and slavery at that time wonu nava yi all should be ceased ◊ Yehowa amenuvela na woe na South Africa may the merciful God help South Africa ne agbenu nyuie ɖe na va ke na wo hee so that they will see a bright new day ◊
You started to tell me about this song’s connection to the events in South Africa.
South Africa, Ehein. By then they were under this apartheid. Yes. So it came to me that I have to compose this song.
Mhmm. “God, the almighty God should do everything possible for them to achieve their independence.” That is the meaning. Nothing so strange.
This was when they were still under apartheid?
Yes. By then, before they achieved the independence.
So you wrote this one before?
Yes. I compose this song before Nelson Mandela was restored as a president.
And so what are you saying in that song?
“Miva mi do gbe ɖa ɖe South Africa dukɔ ta.” “Let’s pray, let’s pray for South Africa... Let’s pray for them so that they will also one day achieve independence. So there will be no blood, nothing of the sort...so that peace can take place in that country.”
7. When my star will shine
Poetry and music by Novor
When my star will shine time will tell ◊ oh Kinka comrades whatever you do today remember tomorrow; the world is like a ball revolving every day ◊ when my star will shine time will tell ◊
And the next one, you wrote it in English.
Eihm. “When My Star Will Shine.”
It’s the only one of these that’s in English. Was there any reason why you chose to put it in English?
Eih, it comes all of a sudden that yes, I have to compose it in English.
So how did that one come?
“The world is like a ball, revolving.” Things are changing. So when my star will shine, I can’t tell. I can’t tell. I will not know the day. When, I can’t tell. “When my star will shine, time will tell.” Hmm, “Whatever you do today, remember tomorrow. The world is like a ball, revolving every day.” It is coming. It can be tomorrow or next day, or so many years time. I can’t tell. So I leave everything to the almighty God. That’s all.
8. Mivɔ̃ gbetɔ (be afraid of human being)
Poetry and music by Novor
Mivɔ̃ gbetɔ ne mia fefe kple dã beware of humans but play with snake. ◊ ye wo tɔ Kinkaviwo fellow members of the Kinka group Nɔvɔ be yeɖe hũũ Norvor silently laments amesiwo ke nye lɔnyelawoo the people who love me woawo ke zu ku nam they are also my death se yenam, dzɔgbe se nam it is my destiny, my destiny ʋua ƒe ha, me dzi ge nami I’ll continue to sing all the songs ◊
NB: Singers complete only the first line on the recording.
“Mivɔ̃ gbetɔ” that is “Be afraid of human being.” You know of course. Because there is a saying that your best friend is your secret enemy. I think you follow what I mean.
I follow.
And when you see your best friend, and he does bad against you, will you like it? No. So it’s better you become afraid of him. You see it is a term that “Be afraid of human being and play with snake.” And surely you can't play with snake. You know that. When you see snake, you run away. But when you see your fellow man coming, you not run away. Not knowing he is coming to kill you. You follow? This how it is.
Is that a proverb? An Eʋe proverb?
It’s a proverb, it’s a proverb. It’s all proverb.
Do any of your other songs have proverbs in them?
Most of the songs, yes, they have proverbs. Yes, they have proverb. So this is also proverb. When my fellow man is coming to me, I’ll no run away. I have to welcome him. We sit down. Maybe I don’t know what is in his mind. Yeesh, anything can happen. So it’s proverb. Anyone who understands know what the words are in Eʋe.
Kinka Hatsiatsia
9. Ablɔɖe ʋua ɖi go (song of freedom)
Poetry and music by Novor
Ablɔɖe ʋua ɖi go le Ghana yɛyɛa me a new song of freedom for a new Ghana ɛwɔ nuku be Ghana zu alea it is wonderful that Ghana has become like this nusianu trɔna hee everything changes ati dama galũa xɛ a flourishing tree also withers xixeme la agama gbalẽ wonye the world is like a chameleon naneke mele dada ƒe dzidzi o hee nothing remains the same forever ◊ yewotɔ Kinkaviwo fellow members of the Kinka group Nɔvɔ be Ghana du la nawɔ ɖeka Norvor says Ghana should be one miaʄe nu nasɔ we should have a single voice mia tɔ Kinkaviwo our Kinka group mia dzi dzɔ gbe nyuie na wo we wish them good luck denyigba Ghana lɔl̃ɔ̃our beloved motherland Ghana nawɔ aʋa kple ŋusẽ should fight with strength ◊
And then “Ablɔɖe ʋua ɖi go.” That is, you see, these are Kinka drumming. It came around 1957...when we achieve independence, you see, we compose some songs to praise and then advise we Ghanaians how things are changing, how we can unite. These are some of the themes. That’s “Ablɔɖe ʋua ɖi go.” In the new Ghana.
Because all took place during that 1958, ’57, when Ghana achieve independence. So we sing. We compose the song, I mean, to either welcome or to praise or do something like that.
But you didn’t compose this in 1957, You composed it afterwards, like in the 1980s?
That was the late 80s.
But you were thinking about that time?
Yes, so when the time came for my compositions, I compose a song, for that very time.
10. Dze ɖom wo le (they are just kidding)
Poetry and music by Novor
Dze ɖom wo le lo ee they are just kidding hesinɔ Nɔvɔ be dze ɖom wo le composer Norvor says they are not serious me ka woe be xɔse to me ʄoa ʋu o ee who says a Christian should not drum ooh dze woa ɖa hee they are lying to themselves nyagblɔdzro le vovo they are saying all this in vain dze woa ɖa hee they are lying to themselves ʋua ɖia me tɔ ɖia me nɔ the drumming buries one’s father and one’s mother Kinkaviwo miva mia fellow members of the Kinka group come wɔ dzo via ɖe we play awhile xɔsetɔ ɖe kua Kinka ʋua gbɔna hee if a Christian dies, the Kinka drumming will come on ◊ mikpɔe ɖa Kinkaviwo look, oh Kinka comrades Nɔvɔ be nya yia me nyo miga gblɔe o Norvor says: this matter is not good; do not speak of it nusi se namea ye wo wɔ na what is given to you by God is what you have to do mi dze klo mia da ye nu kneel down and think mia nɔ gbe dom ɖa be and pray that mia tɔ si le dziʄo our Father, who is in heaven wo ŋko ŋuti na kɔ hallowed be thy name wo ʄia ɖu ʄe na va thy kingdom come woa wɔ wo lɔl̃ ɔñ u le anyigba dzi thy will be done on earth sigbe ale wo wɔ ne le dziʄo as it is in heaven nana mia ʄe nu ɖuɖu wo na su mia sie gbe give us this day our daily bread me ga kplɔ mi yi tetekpɔ me o do not lead us into temptation ke ɖe mi tso vɔɖiawo si deliver us from evil to woe nye ʄia ɖu ʄe le anyi gba dzi yours is the kingdom on earth kple nuse kple nutsikɔkɔe with strength, with glory he yi ɖe mavɔ me for ever and ever amen amen ◊
“Dze ɖom wo le.” You see, some people really, they say they are Christians. Say they don’t like these our traditional musics, you see. So I compose a song towards them. They are playing. They are just joking or something. Ahein. Because Kinka is also of a great importance. When it comes to a time we can even play Kinka when a Christian dies. Or even if Muslims, we can even play Kinka. So, if they doubt, then I can recite the Lord’s Prayer, you see, to them. To know that Kinka. Likewise “Yehowa nye kplɔ la nye.” That is The Lord is My Shepherd. Hmm.
11. Gbe ka gɔe meƒo vɛ (what is my destiny)
Poetry and music by Novor
Gbe ka gɔe meƒo vɛ what is my destiny hesinɔ Nɔvɔ gbɔgblɔm gbe ya ka meʄo vɛ aee composer Norvor says: what destiny did I bring with me lɔñ yelawo trɔ atsi dem my lovers turn against me ◊ dzamado ayi bokɔ wo gbɔ should I consult the oracle bokɔtɔ wo ka Afã nam diviners to divine for me du ka dzie Nɔvɔ na nɔ and interpret the destiny for Norvor ◊ o mikpɔ ɖa Kinkaviwo fellow members of the Kinka group ne ga nye fue ɖem na mado fu gbe if I’m suffering, I will speak the language of suffering ne ga nye hiã tum hã, ma do hiã gbe even if I’m poor, I will speak the language of poverty nyasela ɖeke mele ye si o there is no one to redeem me ne nya ɖe vem hã ma gblɔe ne woa seo no one to listen and share my sorrows lãkle asike kpo, Mawu koe nya tagbatsutsu ne even the tailless wild animal has God to drive away its flies me le vevi o it matters not nusianu nye Mawutɔ everything belongs to God ◊
How did that one come to you?
Heih, I lamented. It was just, “How do I come to this world?” Something like that. ... It is all to lament. Maybe some difficulties you are going through. At times we composers, at times, that will let you to compose a song. Maybe this Jimmy Cliff and others, some say “When my star will shine,” some say “Equal right” as those Jamaicans, those musicians. The same thing applies to all of us. And me. There’s most singers, composers cannot exactly the meaning of the song. You don’t do it. Even Michael asked me this. So we don’t do it. I can’t tell you the reason why I’m doing this. I can tell you exactly what the song is, but I can’t tell you the meaning. The meaning would be very very long. So, that is the title. “How do I come to this living world?”
Would you sing a lament like that at somebody’s celebration?
Oh yes, we do. We do it. Even at social gatherings we do it. Mm. ... Eih, we learn a lot, from it. ... Is general. When you really understand, you like it more.
12. Yehowa nye kplɔla nye (the Lord is my shepherd)
Poetry and music by Novor
Yehowa nye kplɔla nye godo certainly the Lord is my shepherd Yehowa nye kplɔ la nye hee the Lord is my shepherd nane ke me hiam o hee I shall not want ooh lanyi ʄe dama me tsyɔ kɔ nyi ɖo He makes me lie in the green pastures gbɔ ɖe me tɔ wo nu wo kplɔm yi He rests me in the rivers ena nye luʋɔ gbɔ ɖe me He rests my soul ekplɔm to ʄe dzɔdzɔe le ŋkɔ la ta He took me through the straight path in His good name ne me zɔ balido blukɔ me ha if I walk in darkness nye ma vɔ̃ dzɔ gbe vɔẽ ɖe keo I will fear no evil ɛlabena woe le gbɔ nye because He dwells with me woa ati kplɔ zu ati fa kɔ nam eee thy rod and thy stick, they comfort me eɖo kplɔ ɖe nye akɔ me hee you prepared a table before me lenye ketɔ wo ŋkume in the presence of my enemies nye kplu yɔ gba go my cup is full and overflowing dzɔ gbe nyui kple amenu veve wo goodness and mercy adze yonye me shall follow me le agbe me hee in life le ŋke ke wo kata me hee in all the days of my life nye ma nɔ Yehowa ʄe me ɖaa tegbe eee and I will dwell in the house of Jehovah forever ◊ mikpɔ ɖa Kinkaviwo look, fellow members of the Kinka group Nɔvɔ be mɔzɔ lawo Norvor says we are travelers mie nye le nyi gba dzi we are on this earth ɣeyiɣia me nye mea ɖeke tɔ wo heee we don’t control our days mi dze klo mia subɔ Yehowa kneel down and worship Jehovah mia ʄe agbe nɔ ʄe wo na do ŋgɔ gbee so that our years will be long ◊
You see some Christians, they don’t like us to play Kinka...So it came to a time that I, I compose a song against them. Then I told them in reality, Kinka is not any evil drumming. You see it is very peaceful. Whether you are Christians, or you are non-Christians, pagans and so on and so forth, Kinka can come. Mhmm. So if they like, then I have to, I mean recite The Lord’s Prayer for them. That is the meaning of the song. So that they know Kinka is not any bad. I mean, that is how it is.
13. Mele klo dzi na Aʄetɔ (I kneel)
Poetry and music by Novor
Nyea mele klo dzi na Aʄetɔ Mawu ga I kneel before the great Lord God xixeme do bo nam hee for the world troubles me ooh, sitsoʄea ɖeke megali o oh! there is no salvation anywhere negbe Aʄetɔ ʄe atsitsoga miakplɔ ɖo unless we follow the cross of the Lord miaʋu nuvɔ̃ me na tatɔ wo you confess your sins to the leaders ne miawɔ kɔfadɔ le agbe me and act charitably in life keŋkeŋ hafi ku nye gbe na va ɖo I perform all my good deeds entirely before the day of death gaʄoʄo mamlea yɔ ye hee the last hour has called me dusime na nye ye nɔ feaa the right hand will be my dwelling place mikpɔe ɖa Kinkaviwo look, fellow members of the Kinka group agbe mavɔ ʄe mɔzɔzɔ sẽsi ŋutɔ the road to life everlasting is hard dziʄo ʄe nyɔnufia mie le afɔ na we only hold the foot of the heavenly queen bebli hafi ame kɔkɔawo soon the holy people will be saved gaga ge nuvɔwɔla makpɔ agbemavɔ o sinners will never get everlasting life misi lɔlɔ ʄe kaɖiawo light the lamps of love Lucifa le zawo me hee Lucifer is in the night ◊
Hmm. “I kneel down.” That is, praying to the almighty God. Mhmm.
How did it come to you?
No problem at all. It just, it came to me all of a sudden that I have to.
Did it come to you at night or in the daytime? Do you remember?
Long ago. I can’t tell the time.
Is it praying for anything specifically?
Praising God. Hmm.
Singa
14. Miafe ʋua va agbo dzi (our drum group has come out)
Poetry and music by Novor
Du melɔã ame o the whole community may not like you hesinɔ Nɔvɔ be du melɔa me o composer Norvor says lovers are few dua ɖe me mie le we are in a strange town manya zɔzɔ hee I should be careful ◊ oh Singaviawo oh fellow members of the Singa group maklẽ tɔgbeawo I invoke the paternal ancestors maklẽ mamawo I invoke the maternal ancestors ho dzie do ho ɖo ta from sunrise to midday ◊ miafe ʋua va agbo dzi our drum group has come out du ka dzie mia nɔ what shall we do ◊
What about this one here?
Singa. “Miafe ʋua va agbo dzi.” Mhm. “maklẽ tɔ gbeawo. Ho dzie do, ho ɖo ta.” Eh, is just an advice, mm, to the people. Wherever, we should know how you can move about. Wherever you are.
What do you mean by that?
Wherever you be, I’m advising myself and likewise to the, I mean, to the society, that anywhere you are, for enemies, they are all around. So anywhere you go, you have to know how you can, you can go about. So that you don’t involve yourself into troubles. Is just an advice.
15. Meɖi vinyewo nam (I buried all my children)
Poetry and music by Novor’s uncle Amu
Meɖi vinyewo vɔ hee I buried all my children tɔnyea ɖeke megali o none of mine is left amewotɔe le gbe lɔm nawo others’ children respond to my greetings amenɔamesie mieɖi vinye o hee together we buried my children tɔnyea ɖeke megali o none of mine is left amewotɔe le gbe lɔm nawo others’ children respond to my greetings ◊ hesinɔ Nɔvɔ gblɔm be composer Norvor says wu mia wo keŋ vɔ death has killed us all nyagã ɖeka susɔ only the old lady survives nyaga gblɔe be the old lady says ne me ku la, miga fam o be when I die, no one should weep yetɔ ɖeke me gali o hee that all of mine are gone ◊
Likewise this one also, “Meɖi vinyewo nam.”
And what kind of advice is that?
It’s an old lady who just, maybe, you get children, but, unluckily all died. Mhmm. So, there is none again. Then all of a sudden death has snatch you. Well [how] you are going to take care of your things, as you’re not having children? Meaning, she is lonely. Is all loneliness. So is also one way or the other, lamenting. Mm, that when she dies, they should take care of her belongings. They should put her tissue [fabric] very high, you see. It is all lamenting. Of an old lady. Mhmm.
16. Henɔ Amu be ha ku na va (Amu says he prefers to die)
Poetry and music by Novor’s uncle Amu
Henɔ Amu be ha ku nava wu ye kaba Amu says he prefers to die than to live dagbe dzie mazɔ I will go with good will ◊ mayɔ hagbe eve I will call for two songs ha dasi na yɔmetɔwo woa nɔ sesie give to departed souls and hand over everything to those who died ◊ manɔ esia dzi mayi yɔ me I’ll continue this till I die henɔ ga be blewu, dua ɖeme ye va the lead singer says, be calm I arrived in a town dua me ye va, ye ƒe nu me nyoa amen u o I arrived in a town where I am not appreciated ye dzo dua tɔ wo ƒe dzi ne dze eme I have left; let the people of the town have peace dagbe die yea zɔ I’ll go peacefully ◊
The whole song is about, he is saying that, the day that he will leave this world, he would like to go peacefully. Mmm. ...This, most of the Singa songs, eh, some are from my uncles, who dies long ago.
They are from your uncles?
Yes. I learned it from them.
So what made you decide to include two songs written by your uncle?
Because I, I know, I mean, the words are very, very important. So I like it. I have to put it in. Yes. Because it is a total advice to hmm, the young ones. To know how we can move about, wherever you go. Ehmm.
17. Meyɔe metɔ o (I call, he doesn’t answer)
Poetry and music by Novor
Meyɔe metɔ nam o I call, he doesn’t answer Sammy Aheto be yedzo mia gbɔ Sammy Aheto says he has left you ◊ meyɔe metɔ o I call, he doesn’t answer miyɔ Sigaviwo ɖa call for the Singa group afiɖagbe ŋudi kanya early Friday morning asiƒunua ɖe ɖi le dua me a cry of alarm rang out in the town wokɔ Sammy yi Abor kɔdzi they carried Sammy to Abor hospital dɔkitawo dze agbagba dokpui doctors did their best, no success kudzesu be yemalɔ̃ o wicked death says he will never agree aʋawɔli be ye gbe godoo death says he refuses Sammy Aheto yi dzesɔ Sammy Aheto died ◊ Sammy gblɔ be ame vɔ le ye ŋu Sammy says there is no one to intercede for him me yi tsiẽ wo de yea ɖo ame wo me I am gone to the other world to join others over there ◊
That is [about] Samson Aheto, a cousin of mine.
And why is the song for him?
How the whole thing happened, for he died all of a sudden. The very day Willy, Dunyo’s son William [also died young]. So he was also preparing to, I mean, to visit the bereaved family, and then greet them or exchange greetings with them as we normally do. So before they realize oh, we don’t know whether it is, what was the actual cause. He died all of a sudden. When they send him to Sacred Heart Hospital the doctor, they did a lot on him. That was the end. So how we are so close. He’s a close friend to me. So, that is why — Samson Aheto.
18. Nyigbã li (the land is there)
Poetry and music by Novor.
Nyigbã li denyigba mele vɔvɔ ge o the land is there, the motherland never ends wo ha tɔ wo gbe la va ɖo his day will surely come ◊ ne ga nye dzokatɔe ɖom ɖe yɔ me ha if it were a juju man who sent me to the grave wo ha tɔ wo gbe la va ɖo his day will surely come ◊
It all came about a younger brother [relative] of mine, who died. So I composed a song in his favour, in his name. Who might have even killed him, or juju’d him or might do anything, the land is not finished. All of us will go one day. Whoever kills him or not, the land is not finished. One day, one day, the killer or the doer will also go. Mhmm. So, “Nyigba li, denyigba me le vɔvɔ ge o. Wo ha tɔ wo gbe la va o.” Whether someone plans something bad against you or to me, to finish me? Well, if I go today, tomorrow, the person will also follow. Mm. That is the meaning, I mean the words. Whoever does bad against you, it will reflect back to the person. You see.
19. Kinka percussion music
Eight drumming variations, several of which were composed by master drummer Frederick Kwasi Dunyo. Formerly lead drummer for the Sankofa Dance Theater in Accra, and for the Avenorpedo Lebene Habɔbɔ in Ashaiman, Kwasi has resided since 1992 in Canada, where he teaches African music. In July 2009, Michael Frishkopf interviewed him in Dagbamete, inquiring about the relation between drumming, singing, and dancing, and the role of the master drummer. Drummers understand the esoteric drum language of Kinka variations, while the general public enjoys them only as music.
A lot of meanings are going [in Kinka], at the same time. The [non-drummers] will just hear the melody of the drumming.... Sound. They don’t hear anything more than that. But are the drummers listening to the singing? Oh yeah! When [Norvor] composes a song I compose drum language on his song. And when that song comes you’ll bring in your drum variation? I’ll bring it. So when he’s singing and I’m on the drum, it feels so crazy [laughs]... To be a good master drummer you have to know that some people really like some variations. When that variation comes they will try to dance. So you know all of your people and what they like? Oh yeah, oh yeah. Oh yeah! That makes you a good [drummer]...when you want them to dance, you bring this person’s favorite [variation]; he will stand up and pull some people [to dance with him]... Then you play another person’s favorite and that person will stand up. You make them dance...[People tell me:] “You are not good; you are bad! You make me tired!” I say “Okay, that makes it interesting!” Some songs have a special variation that goes with the song and pulls the soul out of the people. And so [when] you know all those things, that makes you a good lead drummer, a master drummer.... As a lead drummer you must have a lot of knowledge: when to bring a particular variation and how long to play it, when to change it, what kind of improvisation should be put into place, when to start that variation. Those are the things we do.
Composers: Kwasi Norvor Afornorfe (tracks 1-3, 5-14, 17, 18) · John Kwaku Dunyo (track 4) · Amu Awudi (tracks 15,16)
Singers: Kwasi Norvor Afornorfe (leader) · Justine Adzidoga · Ami Agbogli · Christie Oduga · Ama Kwame · Afi Amli · Joe Ahelegbe · Kwasiwor Horsu · Atsitso Kutsi · Abla Anthonio · Michael Ahiataku
Percussionists: Dziegbor Torgbenya, Aborbor Kwashie, Klu Kakafe, and Kofi Agbayiza (atsimeʋu ) · Dafliso Teyi (boba) · Xede Megbenya and Mawunya Awudzi (sogo) · Apelete Gamor and Kwashie Tamakloe (kidi) · Agbenyega Dogbey (kagan) · Prosper Gamor (toke) · Atsotso Kutsi (axatse) · Michael Ahiataku (gankogui)
Producer Michael Frishkopf, Canadian Centre for Ethnomusicology Ghana production Gavmetic Multi Media Int., Accra, Ghana Audio recording Gavin Webb and Godwin Yao Azameti Recording assistants Andrew Korkutsey Agboku, Vabian Azameti, and Edifiam Azameti Recording logistics Godwin Yao Azameti Audio editing & mastering Blair Hall and Gavin Webb Research Michael Frishkopf, Carinna Friesen, and Godwin Yao Azameti Interviews Carinna Friesen Liner notes Michael Frishkopf and Carinna Friesen Translations Norvor and Godwin Yao Azameti Eʋe consulting and editing Kwasi Amenu- Tekaa, Kwasi Dunyo, and Wisdom Agorde Liner notes production assistance Patrick Smith, Kreisha Oro, and Daniel Selasi CD design & layout Kelsey Stasiuk Photography Godwin Yao Azameti, Carinna Friesen, Michael Frishkopf, Patrick Smith, Martha Winn, and Justina Watt
This project was made possible by generous grants from the Support for the Advancement of Scholarship Fund (Faculty of Arts) and the President’s Fund (Department of Music) at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. Special thanks to Norvor, Kwasi Dunyo, David Locke and the late Godwin Agbeli, for their musical wisdom, encouragement, patient guidance, and friendship.
Recorded on July 27th 2007 in Avenorpedo, Volta Region, Ghana · Songs & recording 2007 Kwasi Norvor Afornorfe. All rights reserved. · For purchase or inquiries contact Professor Michael Frishkopf, 382 FAB, Department of Music, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB CANADA T6H3S9 · tel (780) 492-0225 · fax (780) 492-0242 · email michael@KinkaDrum.org ·
