The Akwaaba Ensemble

The Akwaaba Ensemble

Keep focused and create good music, your hard work will surely pay off

Akwaaba Study Tour to Ghana

Join us for the AKWAABA ENSEMBLE STUDY ABROAD TOUR to Ghana, West Africa
January 6, 2025 – January 17, 2025
Please contact Theo for more information

The Tour is for all levels of students!

Prices

The price of the two weeks tour is USD $1,800.

This price includes: tuition, accommodation, meals, airport transfers, ground transport for all group-related activities, drum hire (and we will give you a Gongo Bell, Asarato, Maracas and Akwaaba T-Shirt!!) There will be special performances, demonstrations and outings.

All bookings will require a deposit of USD $1,000, with the balance due no later than 6 weeks prior to commencement of tour.

In addition to this will be the cost of airfare, visa, vaccinations and insurance.

For all study tour inquiries or to register please Contact Theo Martey.

ABOUT THE TOUR

Set in Gbawe Gonse, a village 25 kms from Accra, the Akwaaba Study tour offers two weeks of intensive study to give students a true immersion in the rich and varied culture of Ghana.

Studying 2 hours daily, 15-20 students will learn from 4 drumming and dance teachers. As recognized leaders in their fields, many of these teachers are past and present members of The Shidaa Cultural Troupe and the Indigenous Group and teachers from the National Centre for Culture. With such a low student/teacher ratio, you will enjoy the constant attention of these tutors and find it easy to learn and retain the rhythms and songs. Classes will be divided into smaller groups according to students’ levels of skill.

The students will be taught a range of dances and rhythms from the many ethnic groups that live in Ghana as well as dances and rhythms from some of the neighboring countries in West Africa. Lessons can also be taken in other instruments like balafon (traditional wooden xylophone), asalato (gourd instrument), ashiwa or imbira (thumb piano), and atenteban (traditional bamboo flute). We can also offer a program of study in some of the more contemporary styles of Ghanaian music, like “highlife”, using electric guitar, bass, drumkit etc.

The Akwaaba cultural immersion does not end in class. Students are taught the historical and cultural significance of the music and are given a rare opportunity to meet some of the musicians and dancers who have played significant roles in shaping traditional music and who have either composed new rhythms and dances or have heavily influenced the music being played today. Watch them perform, learn how the rhythms evolved, gain an invaluable understanding of the historical context of the rhythms you learn.

In the evenings, enjoy performances held in various locations around Accra, involving the participation of the local community. Traditional groups will play music and dance from the GA, ASHANTI, EWE, FANTI and other ethnic groups that live in Ghana. The evening entertainment is designed to present the incredible variety of music and dance as well as allowing the students to see and hear the rhythms and music they learn in their lessons. As well there will be opportunities to perform for local audiences (students say this is the most profound and exciting part of the tour).

ACCOMMODATIONS AND FOOD

Students will stay at the Akwaaba Guesthouse. Rooms are single rooms with shared toilet and shower. Double rooms available for couples with their own toilet and shower. All bed linen will be supplied but students will need to bring towels. The rooms will be serviced, and arrangements can be made for laundry etc. Three delicious Ghanaian meals will be provided daily. Vegetarians and most special diets can be catered for.

DRUMS

You will be learning rhythms for both djembe and kpanlogo drums. The hire of these drums is included in the price of the tour (and we will give you a gongo bell, asarato, maracas and Akwaaba Ensemble t-shirt). If you wish to purchase drums or any other instruments, we can arrange this for you. Please Note: If you do purchase any instruments, students will be responsible for the freight/post, etc, of these instruments back to their own countries.

PROGRAM AND TEACHERS

The classes are under the guidance of Ghanaian master musician THEO NII MARTEY and one of Ghanaian’s leading percussionists, THOMAS NII LANTE. Tuition is 2 hours daily, 5 days a week – Monday to Friday, 10am to 12pm. 4 master musicians and dancers – under the guidance of Theo Nii Martey – provide all tuition. Students are placed into smaller groups dependent on ability and experience – advanced or intermediate or beginners – and each group will have 2 teachers to work with them. Private lessons by arrangement.

SUMMER FESTIVALS IN AUGUST

Enjoy the Ga Festival, the Twins Festival and the Pan African Festival during the last two weeks of August in the city of Accra, Ghana.

Other activities

Throw yourself into the following activities!

  • Cooking – learn to cook traditional Ghanaian food
  • Markets – browse for beads, baskets, textiles, wooden artifacts and traditional clothing
  • Cultural & Arts Centre – lose yourself among all things Ghanaian and enjoy the marketplace
  • Music – shake your groove to live Ghanaian music in clubs and bars around Accra
  • Accra Museum – visit this superbly presented snapshot of Ghana past and present
  • Kwame Nkrumah Memorial – stroll through the grounds and museum of this beautiful tribute to Ghana’s first president

Regional tours – See slideshow below
Cape Coast region
Visit the slave castles, Elmina fishing port, Kakum National Park and village markets. Relax around the pool at Sanaa Lodge or stroll along the Cape Coast beach.

Kumasi & Ashanti Region

Spend time visiting the fabulous Kumasi Museum, visit an Ashanti palace, meet the locals in the markets and tour an Ashanti village.

VISA

Visas are required for Ghana. You will need to apply for your own visa. You can click here for instructions. Your travel agent can also assist. Check the Ghana High Commission websites in your region also:

VACCINATIONS

Yellow Fever vaccination is required to obtain a Ghanaian visa. We recommend you consider vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, Meningitis, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio, and anti-malaria medication. We suggest you contact your local travel medical center to discuss your options.

Click Here for the Registration Form

Click Here for the Release Liability Form