Unknown
[identification of item], Esther Asiedu Translations of African Folk Song Lyrics, SPEC.RARE.MMS.0347, Rare Books and Manuscripts Library, Ohio State University
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Processed by: Beth Crowner, 2019 March; Finding aid written by: Beth Crowner, 2019 March
Ghana is a country in West Africa, first formed in the 11th century and controlled by the British in the late 19th century. The Ghanaian people obtained their independence in 1957. Folk songs in Ghana are typically a few phrases that are used repeatedly. Instead of the common A-B-A structure many English songs use, Ghanaian songs tend to be A-A-A, or sung by a leader with a chorus, then repeating the lyrics after them.
The Esther Asiedu Translations of African Folk Song Lyrics contains 19 songs written on scraps of paper. The songs, translated by "University College of Ghana" library staff member Esther Asiedu, date from circa 1800s-1900s, and were likely translated from the Twi dialect. The songs mention cities such as Koforidua, Cape Coast, and Pakro, as well as influences of British colonialism and the weather during Harmattan season. The songs are numbered 1-20, with number 17 missing from the collection. The translations are dated circa 2011.