Schokolade Express

• country:
  Ghana
• region or city:
  West Africa
• style(s):
  Afro Highlife
• artist submitted by:
  Mama-Afrika

Over centuries the West-African coast was a melting pot for music trends of various origins. The seamen of Liberia played a central role in that. During their boat trips on European and American trade ships they spread their Shanty-singing, guitar and conzertina music along the West-African coast down to the Congo. Both instruments were essential in the palm wine music. In addition, an increasing number of workers immigrating into the country contributed new forms of popular dances such as Ashiko and Osibisaba. One find all these styles of music in the modern forms of Highlife. Despite the resistance if missionaries, these kinds of music spread over the southern part of Ghana quickly at the end of the 19th century. Around the time of independence of Ghana Highlife had become the "national music". Schokolad Music provides a sound of diverse African music styles, that is attractive to listen to and to dance.