Music therapy project takes off in Kumasi

Traditional music groups from the Greater Accra, Ashanti and Eastern regions last week showcased their artistic creations in a concert to create awareness of a project that seeks to unite global music and health care in Ghana.

Performing at the Centre for National Culture in Kumasi, Hewale Sounds (Greater Accra), Catholic Youth Choir / Ammamreso Agofomma (Ashanti Region) and the Nkabom Children’s Cultural Group (Eastern Region) delighted the audience with compelling performances loaded with sharp contrasts.

Dubbed MusicXChange Ghana, the project is driven by a firm belief that music can be an effective tool for change while providing a platform for local musicians to showcase their talents and impact positively on health care.

The project, among others, aims at promoting traditional Ghanaian music to a worldwide audience, encourages the use of music therapy in Ghana. It has raised USD 50,000.00 to support a new HopeXChange Medical Centre in Kumasi and develop a pilot programme in music therapy for Ghana.

Another highlight of the project is a MusicXchange Ghana album which is a compilation of sounds and songs selected from a wide range of musical styles and genres.

Federico Masetti, director of MusicXChange, led a delegation from the United States, which included students of Berklee College of Music (Boston), medical officers / health personnel and musicologists for coordination of various activities.

The US Embassy in Accra, Centre for National Culture, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, School of Medical Sciences (Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (all in Kumasi) sponsored the performance.