Department of Music - Ethnomusicology
My dissertation is at the nexus of music, indigenous knowledge, and ecological sustainability. Specifically, I examine and implement ways Ghanaian palmwine music and Akan indigenous ecological knowledge can ameliorate environmental degradation. Ghana currently faces severe environmental degradation; the most egregious is caused by the illegal mining of gold, also known as galamsey––pidgin English for “gathering and selling them.” Galamsey has led to the pollution of water bodies (especially in the central and Western regions of Ghana) and the death of humans and animals. My dissertation aims to go beyond the theoretical study of music in times of ecological crisis to take a more practical and collaborative approach to engage musicians and other stakeholders in developing more responsible ways of making music in the Anthropocene. Thus, my dissertation hinges on collaborating and interacting with musicians and Akan Elders who are indigenous knowledge custodians.
I am halfway through accomplishing this objective and, concurrently, gathering data for my dissertation, thanks to the support of the Humanities Engage Immersive Dissertation Fellowship. As a fellow, I have been conducting fieldwork in Ghana since May 2023. I have been actively involved in exploring the palmwine music scene across three cities: Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi. It is worth noting that the Ghanaian Palmwine music genre has been experiencing a decline since 1996, primarily due to the scarcity of musicians. However, there is hope for its revival, with the Legon Palmwine Band being one of the contemporary groups dedicated to revitalizing this musical tradition. Therefore, for my dissertation, I am collaborating with the band and other musicians like Kwan PA, Kwame Brenya and Rama Black to leverage palmwine music as a means of promoting environmental awareness. These musicians’ passion for this genre and dedication to its preservation aligns perfectly with the objectives of my dissertation: contribute to the preservation and revitalization of palmwine music while simultaneously promoting environmental awareness in Ghana.
Throughout my time in Ghana, I have immersed myself in the palmwine music scene, actively participating in various musical events and building connections with local musicians. This hands-on experience has allowed me to witness the rich cultural heritage and knowledge associated with palmwine music and understand its significance in Ghanaian society. Through in-depth interviews, observations, and participatory experiences, I am collecting valuable data to support my research. My dissertation will delve into the historical context of palmwine music, its cultural significance, and its potential for promoting sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. Using palmwine music as a medium, I aim to engage musicians and audiences in conversations about environmental issues affecting Ghana and the world. This collaboration not only provides an opportunity to showcase the beauty and uniqueness of palmwine music but reveals its long history of being intertwined with nature and the environment. It originated from the rural areas of Ghana, where locals would gather to play music and share stories. This deep connection with nature gives palmwine music a unique platform to convey messages about environmental sustainability.
Together with my collaborators, we are exploring innovative ways to incorporate environmental themes into their music. We are creating an album highlighting the importance of preserving natural resources, conserving biodiversity, and mitigating climate change. By infusing these messages into palmwine music, we aim to capture the attention and inspire action among a wider audience. In addition to creating environmentally conscious music, we are also organizing events and workshops to engage the local community. These initiatives aim to educate and empower individuals to make positive changes in their daily lives. We can ignite a sense of responsibility and encourage sustainable practices by fostering a deeper connection between music, nature, and people.
My collaboration with Ghanaian palmwine musicians is just the beginning of a more significant movement. We envision a future where palmwine music becomes a powerful catalyst for environmental awareness and action. Through our collective efforts, we strive to create a more sustainable and harmonious relationship between humans, music, and nature. As I continue my fieldwork and research, I am excited about the potential impact of this collaboration. By combining academic inquiry with artistic expression, we have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to both the field of music studies and environmental sustainability.