Exploring local rhythms key to global hits —Santrofi band
Last year, the nine-member Santrofi Band did back-to-back 40 shows during their European tour that attracted huge numbers to the various venues.
The accomplishment is one that the team is certain could not have been attained without their distinct style of exploring Ghana’s local rhythms which sounded different from what most of their patrons on their European tour were used to.
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According to the leader of Santrofi Band, Emmanuel Kodwo Ofori, Ghana was blessed with several rhythms and melodies across the 16 regions which had not been tapped to increase Ghana’s gains as well as a presence in these moments of a global music competition.
“From the research that I have done so far, I can confidently say Ghana has over 200 different styles, melodies and rhythms which haven’t been exploited yet. For instance, some beats can be explored with Borborbor, Dekpetsi, Salaka, Agbadza, etc.
“Not to mention tonnes of rhythms and melodies from Ashanti, Eastern, Central, Western and the other regions which are authentic sounds.
Let’s just imagine how our artistes will fare on the international market if we took advantage of these crude materials from our home and complement them with our voices, rap and poetry words.
“I can bet that we will be giants and literally have no competitors globally because the world is looking for materials they haven’t heard of before and we have them. I believe this is worth looking into than wasting time on rhythms and styles that already exist and still compete with those who created them,” he said.
Group’s goal
Santrofi is a group of talented young artistes who have been representing the new vintage-inspired Highlife, Highlife-Funk, and presently Afrobeats.
Their goal is to honour classic Highlife music in all of its forms and fusions, from early Afro-Cuban and Calypso strains to funky soul workouts and Nigeria’s Fela Kuti Juju grooves, all expertly executed with the requisite rippling guitars, tight horn section, driving percussion and fine harmony.
The band has played over 80 shows since 2019 and has been billed for some of the biggest festivals in Europe such as Paléo Festival Nyon in Switzerland, Festival Rio Loco in France, Hiesige&dosige Festival in Austria where they shared stages with well-renowned music icons such as Eryka Badu, Ziggie Marley, Cardi B, Chance the Rapper, Justin Bieber, Macy Grey, American band, Earth Wind and Fire.
In August last year, they performed to a crowd of over 40, 000 at the Jova Beach Festival in Italy, a feat they hope to break this year.
According to Ofori, all these heroic acts would have died but for representing and projecting their true Ghanaian music roots.
He told the Daily Graphic that music players should not relent in championing the importance of Ghanaian artistes, particularly the young ones representing Highlife music.
He pointed out that Ghana would have nothing to pride itself regarding its music industry if the relevant players watch on for Highlife music to lose its status, particularly in an era where other countries are forcefully pushing their music styles on the global front.
New article GH music dead without Highlife —Santrofi Band
Highlife advocacy
Ofori, known for his work with Highlife legend, Ebo Taylor and Pat Thomas' Kwashibu Area Band, said the advocacy should not be regarded as “noise” since Ghana stood the chance of losing out big time on the world stage without Highlife.
“Let’s be truthful, Ghanaian Highlife has slipped off the radar, despite dominating West Africa in the era following the Second World War. Santrofi and other bands are determined to revive the fortunes of music that offers a lighter alternative to other music genres,” Ofori said.
Santrofi Band members are Bass, Emmanuel Ofori; Lead Electric Guitar, Dominic Quarchie; Load Vocals and Rhythm Guitar, Robert ‘Nsoroma’ Koomson; Trombone and Shekere, Bernard Gyamfi; Trumpet, Flugelhorn and Bell, Norbert Wonkyi; Drums and Vocals, Prince Larbi; Keyboards and Vocals, Emmanuel Boakye Agyeman, and Percussion, Victor Nii Amoo.
They released their debut album, Alewa, in 2020 and the project depicted the impact of Ghana’s Highlife music’s journey through several, yet interwoven eras.
Undoubtedly, the album brought Santrofi lots of admiration, particularly for its far-sighted clarity for local rhythms.
At the moment, the band is prepping for the release of a new album in May 2023. However, that will be preceded by its first concert of the year where they will perform at New Morning (Officiel) in Paris, France on Saturday, April 1, 2023.
Supporting bands
Santrofi won the Ghanaian contemporary Act of the Year at last year’s Ghana Music Awards UK and in the opinion of the band leader, the various bands such as Kwanpa and FRA band should be commended for their uniqueness and making great additions to Ghana’s music industry.
“The influence of bands cannot be undervalued, particularly with the colossal waves Osibisa made globally. At the moment, I don’t know if any musician from Ghana has anything close to their records.
“Ghana has a lot to offer, we just need to do our homework well, stay focused and support one another to climb the world stage. It’s tough out there and we need to present and sell what is unique to us,” he added.