There was a time when a radio set was one of the most important items in many Ghanaian homes.

It could be found on a table in the living room, in the kitchen, on a veranda or somewhere in the compound where everyone could hear what was being broadcast.

In the morning, the radio provided news and information. During the day, it entertained people with music, discussions and interesting programmes. In the evening, families and neighbours could gather around it to listen to their favourite presenters, follow stories and discuss what they had heard.

For many Ghanaians, radio was not simply a device used to pass the time. It was a companion, a source of information and, in some households, the centre of family entertainment.

Today, the way people consume audio and entertainment has changed considerably. Smartphones, podcasts, online music platforms and television have given audiences more control over what they listen to.

Radio remains an important part of Ghanaian life, but the experience of gathering around one radio set as a household is becoming less common.

And for those who grew up during that period, the memories are difficult to forget.

Before smartphones became common, one radio set could serve an entire family.

Parents listened to news and current affairs programmes, while children enjoyed music, entertainment and educational broadcasts.

In some homes, the radio was switched on almost immediately after people woke up. The morning began with news bulletins, discussions about national issues and updates on what was happening around the country.

As the day progressed, different programmes attracted different audiences.

Some people preferred political discussions, others enjoyed sports commentary, while music lovers waited for programmes that played their favourite Ghanaian songs.

The radio was often left playing in the background even when nobody was paying particular attention.

It created a familiar atmosphere in the home, and the sound of a presenter speaking or a popular song playing became part of everyday life.

One of the special things about radio in the past was that listening was often a shared experience.

Unlike today, when everyone can use a personal device and choose different content, one radio set meant that household members sometimes had to agree on what to listen to.

There were occasions when parents wanted the news, while younger family members preferred music.

Sometimes, the adults won the argument, and the children had no choice but to wait until the programme ended.

Other times, a popular entertainment show brought everyone together.

A presenter could introduce a song that made people stop what they were doing. A discussion could generate arguments around the dining table, while an interesting announcement might become the main topic of conversation for the rest of the day.

Radio created shared moments because people were listening to the same things at the same time.

Even after a programme ended, its content could continue to influence discussions within the household.

For music lovers, listening to the radio was sometimes more than waiting for a favourite song.

Some people used cassette recorders to record songs directly from radio broadcasts.

When a presenter announced a song they liked, they could quickly prepare their cassette player and wait for the music to begin.

The challenge was getting the recording right.

Some recordings included the presenter’s voice at the beginning or end because the listener had not pressed the record button at the right time. Others were interrupted by advertisements or announcements.

Yet these recordings were treasured.

People could replay their favourite songs whenever they wanted, even when they did not own the original cassette or album.

Some also created personal mixtapes by recording different songs from the radio and arranging them in a particular order.

It was a simple but exciting way of building a personal music collection before digital downloads and streaming services became widespread.

Another reason radio was special was the relationship listeners developed with presenters.

People became familiar with certain voices and styles of presentation. Some presenters were known for their humour, others for their serious approach to news, and some for the way they introduced songs or engaged callers.

For regular listeners, hearing a favourite presenter could feel like reconnecting with someone they knew.

Some people even organised their daily routines around particular programmes.

They knew when their favourite show started, which presenter was on air and what type of discussions to expect.

Radio personalities also influenced public conversations. Their interviews, commentary and discussions introduced issues that listeners continued debating at home, in offices, at markets and in social gatherings.

In many ways, radio presenters became important voices in the daily lives of their audiences.

Radio also played an educational role in many Ghanaian households.

Children could learn new words, improve their language skills and gain knowledge about issues outside their immediate surroundings.

Educational programmes, discussions and storytelling broadcasts introduced listeners to subjects they might not encounter in their classrooms.

Some broadcasts helped children become familiar with current affairs, history, science and social issues.

Listening to presenters also exposed young people to different ways of speaking and communicating.

For children growing up in homes where local languages were spoken, radio programmes in Akan, Ewe, Ga, Dagbani and other Ghanaian languages provided opportunities to hear those languages used in different contexts.

Radio therefore served as an informal learning resource, especially in households where access to books, computers and other educational materials was limited.

Radio brought people closer to national events

There were moments when radio became particularly important because it connected people to events happening across Ghana and beyond.

During major political developments, election periods, sporting competitions and national emergencies, people turned to radio for updates.

For households without television, radio was sometimes the main source of information.

Football commentary was especially memorable for many listeners. People could follow matches through the voices of commentators, reacting to goals, missed chances and controversial decisions.

Some listeners gathered around radios in drinking spots, homes and community centres to follow important matches.

Even without seeing the action, the excitement in the commentator’s voice helped listeners imagine what was happening on the field.

Radio also gave people access to interviews and public discussions that allowed them to hear different perspectives on national issues.

What has changed in the way Ghanaians listen?

The biggest difference today is personal choice.

A person can listen to music through a phone, follow a podcast, watch an interview on YouTube or stream a radio programme online.

There is no longer a need for an entire household to depend on one radio set.

Many radio stations have also expanded their presence through websites, social media pages and digital streaming platforms.

Listeners can access programmes while travelling, working or staying at home.

These developments have helped radio reach new audiences and remain relevant in a changing media environment.

However, they have also made listening a more individual activity.

Family members can now sit in the same room while each person listens to something different through earphones.

The shared experience of listening to one programme and discussing it afterwards is not as common in some households.

Has the radio lost its place in Ghanaian homes?

Not entirely.

Radio continues to play a significant role in Ghana, particularly through news, political discussions, sports, entertainment, religious programmes and public education.

Many people still listen while driving, working, cooking or carrying out other daily activities.

For some communities, local radio remains an important source of information, especially where internet access is limited or expensive.

Radio stations also continue to provide platforms for public participation, allowing listeners to call in, share concerns and contribute to discussions.

The difference is that the way people access radio has changed.

Some listen through traditional radio sets, while others use mobile phones, computers and online platforms.

The old radio culture may be changing, but the medium itself has not disappeared.

What the younger generation may never experience

Children growing up today may find it difficult to understand why an entire household once waited for a particular radio programme.

They may not appreciate the excitement of hearing a favourite song unexpectedly, recording it onto a cassette or waiting for a presenter to announce the next track.

They may also never experience the feeling of sitting with family members and listening to a major announcement together.

These experiences were part of a particular period in Ghana’s social and media history.

They remind us that entertainment was not always about personal screens and individual choices. Sometimes, enjoyment came from sharing the same experience with the people around us.

A tradition that deserves to be remembered

The rise of smartphones and digital platforms has brought many benefits. People can now access information faster, discover new music and listen to their favourite programmes from almost anywhere.

There is no reason to reject these developments.

However, there is still something special about the old experience of gathering around a radio, listening together and discussing what was being broadcast.

Families can still recreate some of these moments by listening to a radio programme together, sharing interesting podcasts or discussing news and interviews.

The technology may have changed, but the value of shared experiences remains.

For those who grew up with one radio set in the house, the memories are a reminder of a time when a single device could entertain an entire family.

Sometimes, the most beautiful memories are not about the technology itself, but about the people who gathered around it.

Do you remember when one radio set entertained the whole household, and what was your favourite programme to listen to?

Why do we keep buying things we don’t need, even when we know we should be saving money? From impulse buys and online shopping to buying items just because they are trending, many people end up spending money on things they barely use.

Have you ever bought a new pair of shoes even though your wardrobe already has several? Or bought another handbag, phone accessory, or kitchen appliance simply because you liked how it looked?

You are certainly not alone.

For many people, shopping is more than a way of meeting basic needs. It can be an exciting activity, a form of entertainment and sometimes a way of rewarding themselves after a stressful week.

However, an interesting habit has become increasingly noticeable in everyday consumer culture: buying things that are not necessarily needed simply because something new has caught our attention.

In Ghana, where shopping opportunities range from busy markets and shopping malls to online stores and social media vendors, the temptation to purchase something new is never far away.

But why do people continue buying items they already own, even when they know the money could be used for something more important?

The excitement of owning something new

There is a particular excitement that comes with purchasing a new item.

A new dress, pair of sneakers, smartphone or household appliance can create a sense of satisfaction, especially when someone has been thinking about buying it for a long time.

For some shoppers, the excitement begins before the purchase. They spend time comparing prices, checking different colours, watching product reviews and imagining how the item will look once they own it.

The feeling may be even stronger when they finally receive Why do we keep buying things we don’t need, even when we know we should be saving money? From impulse purchases and online shopping to buying items simply because they are trending, many people find themselves spending money on things they barely use, order or carry their purchase home.

However, that excitement does not always last.

An item that initially seemed special can quickly become part of an ordinary collection of belongings, creating room for another purchase.

This can lead to a cycle in which people repeatedly seek the satisfaction of buying something new, even when their existing possessions are still in good condition.

Social media has changed the way people discover and purchase products.

On platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Facebook, shoppers are constantly exposed to fashion trends, beauty products, gadgets, home decorations and lifestyle recommendations.

A person may open an application to watch entertainment videos and end up spending an hour looking at products they had no intention of purchasing.

Influencers and content creators also introduce audiences to new products through reviews, demonstrations and promotional partnerships.

Sometimes, seeing someone wear a particular outfit or use a new gadget can make an otherwise ordinary item suddenly appear desirable.

There is also the fear of missing out when people see friends or online personalities enjoying products that appear fashionable or popular.

The challenge is knowing whether a purchase is genuinely necessary or whether the desire was created by repeatedly seeing the item online.

Sales promotions can be attractive, particularly when retailers advertise limited-time discounts.

A shopper who sees a handbag reduced from GH¢300 to GH¢180 may feel they are saving GH¢120.

But if the handbag was not needed in the first place, the shopper has still spent GH¢180.

This is one of the interesting contradictions of shopping: people sometimes spend money they did not intend to spend simply because they believe they are getting a good deal.

Online shopping can make this even easier. With product photographs, promotional messages and convenient payment methods, purchasing an item may require only a few taps.

Before long, several supposedly affordable purchases can become a significant expense.

A useful question to ask before taking advantage of a discount is whether the item would still be worth buying at its original price and whether it fits within the shopping budget.

Do we buy things because we need them or because we want to impress others?

Another interesting aspect of modern shopping is the connection between personal possessions and social status.

For some people, owning the latest smartphone, wearing fashionable clothes or carrying expensive accessories can create a sense of confidence and belonging.

In certain social circles, people may feel pressure to maintain a particular appearance because they do not want to seem outdated or financially unsuccessful.

This can become particularly challenging when individuals compare their possessions with those of friends, colleagues or people they follow online.

Someone may purchase a new phone not because their current one is damaged but because a newer model has been released.

Another person may buy several outfits for social occasions despite having clothes they have barely worn.

There is nothing wrong with enjoying fashion, technology or beautiful things. The concern is when the desire to maintain appearances begins to influence financial decisions.

A person’s value should not depend on how many new items they own or how frequently they update their wardrobe.

The forgotten items sitting in our homes

One way to understand unnecessary shopping is to take a look around the home.

There may be clothes purchased months ago that have never been worn, shoes still sitting in their original boxes, unused kitchen equipment or gadgets that have been replaced despite working perfectly.

Some people may even forget that they own certain items until they begin rearranging their rooms or cupboards.

This raises an important question about how much money is tied up in possessions that are rarely used.

Instead of immediately purchasing something new, shoppers can take time to assess what they already have.

For example, someone who wants another pair of shoes may discover that several existing pairs are still in excellent condition.

A person planning to buy new kitchen equipment may realise that an older appliance only needs a simple repair.

Being aware of existing possessions can help reduce unnecessary spending while making better use of what has already been purchased.

Shopping does not have to become a financial problem. People can enjoy buying things while still making thoughtful decisions about their money.

One useful approach is to create a shopping list before visiting a market, supermarket or online store. This helps distinguish planned purchases from items that simply attract attention.

It is also helpful to introduce a waiting period before buying expensive non-essential items. Giving yourself a day or two to think about a purchase can reveal whether the desire is temporary.

Another approach is to set aside a specific amount for personal shopping each month. This allows people to enjoy their interests without interfering with essential expenses and savings.

Comparing prices, checking product quality and avoiding unnecessary credit purchases can also make shopping more responsible.

Most importantly, people should learn to appreciate what they already own rather than constantly feeling that something newer is needed.

Is shopping becoming a habit we struggle to control?

There is nothing wrong with wanting to look good, own quality products or enjoy the occasional shopping experience.

Purchasing something new can be rewarding, and people should be able to spend their hard-earned money on things that make them happy.

However, when buying becomes automatic, it may be worth examining the reasons behind the habit.

Are people shopping because they genuinely need something, because they enjoy the experience, because they are influenced by online trends or because they want to keep up with others?

Understanding the difference can help individuals make better financial decisions without giving up the pleasure of shopping.

After all, having more possessions does not necessarily mean having a better quality of life.

So, be honest: have you ever bought something you already had simply because you liked it, or do you believe people should be free to shop as often as they want as long as they can afford it?

There was a time when the evening hours in many Ghanaian neighbourhoods came with a familiar scene. After a long day of work, school and household responsibilities, people would bring out their chairs, sit in front of their homes and enjoy the cool evening breeze.

Some sat on wooden benches, others used plastic chairs, while children played nearby. Conversations flowed from one topic to another, laughter filled the air, and neighbours who had not seen one another throughout the day finally had time to catch up.

For many families, sitting outside in the evening was part of everyday life. It was not an organised event, and nobody needed a special invitation. People simply came outside, greeted one another and found something to talk about.

Today, that familiar scene is becoming less common in some neighbourhoods. More people spend their evenings indoors, watching television, scrolling through their phones or attending to personal activities.

Although some communities still maintain the tradition, changing lifestyles and modern housing arrangements have affected how people spend their evenings.

It may appear to be a small change, but the simple habit of sitting outside helped create a sense of community that many people remember fondly.

When the compound and frontage became a meeting place

In many Ghanaian communities, the space in front of a house or within a compound served as an informal meeting place.

As the sun began to set, residents could bring out their chairs and settle down outside. Some came to rest after work, while others wanted to escape the heat inside their rooms.

The conversations were often spontaneous. A neighbour could walk past, stop to greet everyone and end up sitting for an hour. Someone returning from the market might share news about food prices, while another person could introduce a discussion about a football match, a family celebration or something happening in the community.

These gatherings did not require refreshments, expensive entertainment or elaborate arrangements. Sometimes, all people needed was a chair and a little time.

For children, it was also an opportunity to play within the view of adults while listening to conversations taking place around them.

The frontage of a house was therefore more than an outdoor space. It was an extension of the home and, in many cases, a meeting point for the neighbourhood.

One thing that made these evenings memorable was the variety of conversations.

Older people shared experiences from their younger days, discussed how the community had changed and sometimes offered advice to younger residents.

Parents talked about their children’s education, work opportunities and family responsibilities. Friends discussed relationships, football, entertainment and everyday challenges.

Sometimes, the conversations were serious. At other times, they were filled with jokes, teasing and laughter.

There were also moments when someone would begin telling a story that attracted everyone’s attention. A simple discussion could turn into a long exchange of memories, with different people adding their own experiences.

For children who were present, these conversations offered an informal way of learning about people, relationships and the world around them.

They heard stories about places they had never visited, people they had never met and experiences that happened long before they were born.

Not every conversation was important, but that was part of the beauty of it. People did not always need a reason to sit together.

The tradition also played a role in how children interacted with adults and other members of their communities.

Children who spent time outside their homes often became familiar with neighbours and older residents. They learnt how to greet adults, respond politely and behave in shared spaces.

They could also hear discussions about school, work, marriage, family responsibilities and community life.

Some children were sent on small errands, asked to bring water or encouraged to help arrange chairs. These everyday activities helped them become comfortable interacting with people outside their immediate families.

The presence of adults also created opportunities for informal supervision, although parents and guardians still had responsibility for keeping children safe.

Today, children have different ways of spending their free time. Many enjoy television, mobile games, social media and indoor entertainment.

These activities are not necessarily harmful, but when outdoor interaction becomes limited, children may have fewer opportunities to develop relationships with people in their immediate communities.

Why more people now spend their evenings indoors

There are several reasons why the culture of sitting outside has changed.

One major factor is the growth of urban living. In some residential areas, houses are built closer together, outdoor spaces are limited, and residents have fewer comfortable places to gather.

Apartment buildings and gated communities may also have rules governing the use of shared spaces. While some provide recreational areas, others offer little room for informal gatherings.

Security concerns have also influenced people’s decisions. Some residents prefer to remain indoors because of concerns about theft, robbery, traffic or disturbances in their neighbourhoods.

Modern entertainment has played a role as well. Television, smartphones and internet services provide endless ways to spend the evening without leaving the house.

Work schedules have also become demanding. Some people return home late, exhausted from traffic and other responsibilities, leaving little energy for social interaction.

For others, privacy is important. They may prefer to spend their free time with immediate family members rather than participate in neighbourhood conversations.

These changes are understandable. However, they have also reduced some of the everyday opportunities people once had to connect with those living around them.

The influence of smartphones and social media

Perhaps one of the biggest differences between the past and present is how people use their free time.

In the past, someone sitting outside could easily become part of a conversation simply because they were physically present.

Today, people may sit together but remain occupied with their phones. One person is watching videos, another is responding to messages, while someone else is scrolling through social media.

Technology has made it easier to stay connected with people across the world, but it can sometimes reduce attention given to those sitting nearby.

A person may know what a friend in another country is doing through social media but have little idea how the neighbour next door is coping.

This does not mean smartphones should be abandoned. They have become important tools for communication, work and entertainment.

The challenge is finding a balance between digital interaction and real-life relationships.

Sometimes, putting the phone aside for a few minutes and joining a conversation can make an ordinary evening more meaningful.

Have modern lifestyles made people less sociable?

It would be unfair to suggest that Ghanaians have stopped socialising altogether.

People still visit friends, attend family gatherings, meet at drinking spots, go to restaurants and participate in religious and community activities.

However, there is a difference between making special arrangements to meet people and having everyday opportunities to interact with those living nearby.

The old evening sitting culture made social interaction part of ordinary life. People did not always need to travel somewhere or spend money to enjoy one another’s company.

It was available right outside the house.

As that habit becomes less common in some areas, people may have to make more deliberate efforts to maintain relationships.

The concern is not simply that fewer chairs are being brought outside. It is that some of the casual conversations and familiar encounters that helped build neighbourhood relationships may also be disappearing.

The disappearance of this simple tradition could affect more than how people spend their evenings.

First, communities may lose opportunities for residents to become familiar with one another. Knowing the people around you can encourage cooperation and make it easier to identify when someone needs assistance.

Second, younger generations may have fewer chances to hear stories and experiences directly from older people.

Third, the informal support systems that grow through regular interaction may become weaker. A person who regularly sees and talks to neighbours may find it easier to ask for help during an emergency than someone who barely knows anyone around them.

There is also the emotional value of having people to talk to after a difficult day. Sometimes, a simple conversation, a shared joke or the presence of familiar faces can make someone feel less isolated.

These benefits may appear ordinary, but they contribute to the quality of community life.

Can the tradition return in modern Ghana?

Bringing back the culture of evening gatherings does not mean people must abandon their televisions, smartphones or personal routines.

Families can start by creating small opportunities to spend time outside when it is safe and comfortable to do so.

Neighbours can organise occasional informal gatherings, particularly in communities where residents already know one another.

Residential associations can also consider creating welcoming shared spaces where people can sit, relax and interact.

Parents can encourage children to spend some time outdoors under appropriate supervision, while older family members can use these moments to share stories and experiences.

Even a few chairs placed outside a home can create an opportunity for conversation.

The most important thing is not the number of people who gather or how long they stay. It is the willingness to make time for human interaction.

Looking back, those evening gatherings were not always comfortable or perfect. There were disagreements, gossip, arguments about football and moments when conversations lasted longer than expected.

But they offered something that money could not easily buy: time spent with people.

People learnt about one another, shared experiences and created memories without needing a special occasion.

As Ghana continues to develop and lifestyles change, it is worth asking whether some of these simple traditions deserve a place in modern society.

A house can have a beautiful living room, a large television and a fast internet connection, but there is something special about sitting outside, feeling the evening breeze and laughing with people who live nearby.

Perhaps the next time the evening comes, instead of spending the entire night indoors, someone could bring out a chair, greet a neighbour and start a conversation.

It may be a small gesture, but it could bring back a little of the warmth that made those ordinary Ghanaian evenings so memorable.

Do you remember evenings when people brought their chairs outside to chat with neighbours and enjoy the cool breeze? Do you think Ghanaians should bring back this simple tradition?

Ghana has produced several distinctive cultural expressions that have crossed geographical boundaries, but few have captured the energy, creativity and youthful spirit of the country quite like Azonto and Akayida.

The two popular dance styles became major cultural movements in Ghana, particularly during the early 2010s, as young people embraced them through music, social media and street performances. Although they share similarities in their energetic movements and connection to hip-hop music, Azonto and Akayida developed distinct identities and became important parts of Ghana’s contemporary entertainment culture.

Azonto: The Dance That Put Ghana on the Global Map

Azonto is one of Ghana’s most popular dance and music genres. It evolved from the traditional Ga dance known as Kpanlogo and originated in coastal communities, including Chorkor, James Town, Teshie, Nungua and Tema.

The dance was initially known as Apaa and was used to portray everyday activities, occupations and experiences through body movements. Dancers mimicked different professions and ordinary activities, transforming simple actions into entertaining dance routines.

Its distinctive movements include keeping one foot planted while the other pivots, slightly slouched shoulders and expressive hand gestures. Dancers also use their hands and bodies to imitate activities such as ironing clothes, washing, driving and swimming.

What initially began as simple one- or two-step movements gradually developed into more complicated routines, allowing dancers to communicate messages and tell stories without necessarily using words.

Azonto became a nationwide sensation before spreading across Africa and into the Ghanaian diaspora. By 2013, it had gained significant popularity internationally, with Ghanaians living abroad playing an important role in promoting the dance as an expression of cultural identity.

Several hit songs contributed to its rise, including Guru’s Lapaz Toyota, Sarkodie’s U Go Kill Me and Fuse ODG’s Azonto and Antenna.

Social media, particularly YouTube, also played a significant role in taking the dance beyond Ghana. Young people began uploading homemade dance videos, tutorials and creative performances, many of which attracted thousands of views and inspired similar performances in other countries.

Through these online platforms, Azonto became more than a dance trend. It developed into a cultural movement that showcased Ghanaian creativity, music and identity to international audiences.

Akayida: The Dance That Challenged Azonto’s Dominance

Following Azonto’s popularity, another dance style known as Alkayida, also spelt Akayida or Alkaida in Ashanti Twi, emerged and captured the attention of Ghanaian music lovers and dance enthusiasts.

Akayida is characterised by relaxed, side-to-side body movements, expressive upper-body gestures, intricate footwork and coordinated hand, shoulder and hip movements.

Unlike dances that depend heavily on fast-paced choreography, its original style was relatively relaxed and free-form, allowing dancers to combine group routines with individual performances.

According to hip–hop, hiplife, Afrobeats, and Azonto musician Guru, who played a major role in popularising the dance, the correct spelling is Akayida.

The dance initially featured slower movements that loosely mimicked the mannerisms associated with the extremist group Al-Qaeda. However, as its popularity grew, the tempo increased, giving birth to more energetic and vibrant choreography.

Its unusual name also became part of its appeal, creating a playful connection between the dance craze and the name of the terrorist organisation.

Akayida emerged at a time when Azonto was enjoying enormous popularity and became one of the dance styles that challenged its dominance on Ghana’s entertainment scene.

Guru’s ‘Akayida (Boys Abrɛ)’ and the Dance Craze

One of the biggest factors behind Akayida’s popularity was Guru’s hit song, Akayida (Boys Abrɛ).

The song helped introduce the dance to a wider audience and established the term in the vocabulary of young people, particularly among Akan-speaking communities.

In Ashanti Twi, the word brɛ means tired. The expression Boys Abrɛ, which became the song’s popular catchphrase, was closely associated with the dance and contributed to its widespread acceptance.

The song quickly became a favourite at social gatherings, parties and entertainment events, with many young people embracing its accompanying dance movements.

Guru’s contribution was significant because the song provided a musical identity for the dance, helping transform it from a developing street trend into a recognised dance craze.

Akayida and the 2014 World Cup Moment

Akayida also attracted attention during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, when Ghana’s Black Stars faced Germany in a memorable group-stage encounter.

Ghanaian football supporters anticipated that Asamoah Gyan and his teammates would celebrate a goal with the popular Akayida dance, reflecting the dance’s popularity at the time.

However, the Black Stars performed Azonto rather than Akayida during their celebrations.

Although the expected Akayida performance did not happen, the anticipation surrounding the dance demonstrated how deeply Ghanaian music and dance had become connected to the country’s football culture.

It also reflected the desire of supporters to see Ghanaian cultural expressions showcased on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages.

Akayida briefly attracted international attention when Panamanian dancehall deejay Japanese and Honduran artiste AlBeezy released a song titled La Caída.

The song used an instrumental similar to Guru’s Akayida (Boys Abrɛ) and featured dance movements resembling those associated with the Ghanaian dance.

Although the lyrics were unrelated to Guru’s original song, the adaptation generated renewed interest in the dance, particularly in Panama.

The development gave Akayida a short-lived international boost while offering some exposure to Guru’s music and Ghana’s dance culture beyond the country’s borders.

Two Dances, One Cultural Legacy

Azonto and Akayida represent an important period in Ghana’s contemporary music and dance history.

While Azonto drew inspiration from traditional Ga dance and developed into a global cultural phenomenon, Akayida gained popularity through Guru’s music and its distinctive choreography.

Both dances demonstrated the ability of Ghanaian musicians and young people to turn simple movements, street creativity and popular songs into nationwide entertainment trends.

Their popularity was also evidence of the powerful relationship between music, dance and social media in promoting Ghanaian culture.

Although newer dance trends have since emerged, Azonto and Akayida remain memorable examples of Ghana’s contribution to African popular culture and the creativity that once made Ghanaian dance movements a major talking point both locally and internationally.

In Ghana, music goes beyond entertainment. It is deeply woven into the country’s cultural identity and serves as a powerful means of bringing people together, expressing emotions, celebrating achievements and strengthening communal bonds. Among the musical traditions that have maintained a strong presence in Ghanaian society is jama, also known as gyama or d jama.

Jama is a lively and energetic form of group music characterised by singing, chanting, clapping, drumming, dancing and coordinated movements. It is built around participation, with individuals coming together to create rhythms and sounds that generate excitement and a shared sense of belonging. Unlike performances where audiences simply watch and listen, jama encourages everyone to become part of the experience.

One of its most recognisable features is the call-and-response pattern. A lead singer or group leader introduces a song, chant or statement, while the rest of the group responds in unison. The lyrics are often simple, repetitive and catchy, making it easy for people to learn and join in, even without prior musical experience.

The accompanying clapping, drumming, whistles and coordinated body movements add to its lively atmosphere, transforming ordinary gatherings into energetic celebrations.

Jama has particularly strong roots in Ghana’s secondary school boarding culture, where it developed into an important part of student life and school traditions.

For generations, students in boarding schools have used jama songs and chants to express school pride, demonstrate unity, celebrate achievements and support their respective houses during competitions. What began as a form of student expression gradually became an established feature of school entertainment and social activities.

During inter-house sports competitions, for instance, students often organise themselves into groups to sing, drum, clap and dance in support of their houses. The songs are sometimes created specifically for the occasion, with lyrics celebrating a house’s identity, achievements or reputation while encouraging competitors to give their best.

Jama is also common during entertainment nights, school anniversaries, processions, speech and prize-giving ceremonies, sporting events and alumni gatherings.

A study conducted by the University of Cape Coast on Gyama Songs in Ghanaian Schools highlights the significant contribution of secondary school students to the development of the tradition. It identifies students’ creativity as a major influence in shaping the songs and chants before the practice expanded beyond school environments into wider Ghanaian society.

Over the years, students have passed down popular chants and introduced new lyrics, rhythms and styles, allowing jama to evolve while retaining its original character.

Although its development is strongly associated with secondary school culture, jama has gradually become part of everyday social life in Ghana.

Today, it can be heard at football matches, university campuses, churches, political gatherings, community celebrations, funerals, festivals and other public events.

At these gatherings, jama serves different purposes depending on the occasion. At a football match, it can motivate players and energise supporters. At a church programme, it can encourage collective participation and create an atmosphere of celebration. During community events, it provides an opportunity for people to interact, express happiness and strengthen social connections.

Its ability to adapt to different environments has contributed significantly to its continued popularity.

One of the most visible ways jama influences Ghanaian society is through sports, particularly football.

In Ghanaian football culture, music, chanting and drumming are important parts of the match-day experience. Supporters use these activities to encourage their teams, intimidate opponents and create an atmosphere of excitement inside and outside stadiums.

The tradition is especially evident during matches involving the Black Stars, Ghana’s national football team. Supporters often organise themselves into singing and chanting groups, using familiar tunes, energetic rhythms and coordinated responses to demonstrate their support.

Jama can also help athletes maintain confidence and enthusiasm, particularly during competitions where team spirit and collective motivation are important.

The relationship between music and football in Ghana extends beyond stadium performances. Whenever the Black Stars prepare for major international tournaments, Ghanaian musicians frequently release songs celebrating the team, expressing national pride and encouraging supporters to rally behind the players.

These songs become part of the wider football experience, demonstrating how music can connect sporting achievements with national identity.

Jama’s influence is not limited to traditional group performances. Its rhythms, chants and participatory style have also contributed to the development and popularity of contemporary Ghanaian music.

Elements of jama can be identified in aspects of hiplife, gospel, highlife and other popular Ghanaian musical expressions, particularly in songs that feature repetitive choruses, energetic group vocals and audience participation.

The call-and-response technique, which is central to jama, is also widely used in Ghanaian popular music. Musicians frequently introduce a line that is repeated or answered by backing vocalists or audiences, creating an interactive musical experience.

In gospel music, for example, similar techniques encourage congregational participation, while hiplife and highlife performances often incorporate chants and crowd responses to build excitement.

Although these genres have their own distinct histories and musical characteristics, jama’s participatory culture demonstrates how traditional forms of expression can influence modern entertainment.

Another important feature of jama is its flexibility in language and lyrical composition.

Songs and chants may be performed in Twi, Ga, Ewe, Fante, English, Ghanaian Pidgin or a combination of different languages. This allows groups from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds to participate without feeling excluded.

The lyrics are often inspired by everyday experiences, school rivalries, sporting achievements, social issues, popular personalities, traditional sayings and community life.

Some songs are created to praise individuals or groups, while others are humorous, motivational or competitive. In school settings, students may compose chants that celebrate their houses, tease rival groups or recount memorable experiences.

This creativity makes jama an evolving tradition. New songs can emerge from almost any social situation, while familiar rhythms can be adapted with different lyrics to suit a particular audience or event.

It also reflects Ghana’s cultural diversity, bringing together different languages, musical influences and traditions through a shared form of expression.

The continued relevance of jama can largely be attributed to its simplicity, inclusiveness and ability to create collective excitement.

Unlike some musical forms that require specialised instruments, professional singers or extensive training, jama can be performed with basic resources. A group can create its own rhythm through handclapping, foot stamping, body movements and simple percussion instruments.

Its participatory nature also means that people of different ages, backgrounds and musical abilities can take part.

More importantly, jama creates a sense of belonging. Students who sing together during school competitions develop memories and connections that often remain with them long after graduation. Alumni frequently revive familiar school chants during reunions, reminding them of their shared experiences and strengthening relationships.

The same sense of togetherness can be seen among football supporters, church members and community groups who use songs to express a common identity.

Jama therefore serves not only as entertainment but also as a means of preserving collective memories, building friendships and passing cultural practices from one generation to another.

Despite changes in Ghana’s entertainment industry and the growing influence of digital music, jama continues to maintain its place in the country’s social and cultural activities.

Its presence in schools, universities, stadiums, churches and community celebrations demonstrates that traditional forms of musical expression can remain relevant even as society evolves.

Social media has also created opportunities for jama performances, school chants and group routines to reach audiences beyond their original settings. Songs that were once known mainly within particular schools or communities can now be shared widely through videos and online platforms.

However, preserving the tradition requires more than simply enjoying its entertainment value. Schools, cultural institutions, musicians and communities can contribute by documenting traditional jama songs, encouraging students to compose original chants and creating opportunities for younger generations to learn about their cultural significance.

Ultimately, jama represents an important aspect of Ghanaian cultural expression. It tells a story of creativity, unity, identity and collective participation.

Whether performed by students supporting their houses, football fans cheering the Black Stars, worshippers celebrating in church or community members gathered for a special occasion, jama continues to demonstrate the power of music to bring people together.

More than just a collection of songs and rhythms, jama is a living expression of Ghanaian togetherness, reminding us that music is sometimes most powerful when everyone has a voice, and everyone becomes part of the performance.