Nsem Nyinaa Nyame / Nana Kodajayen

Released in 2021 by the Berlin-based label Philophon, Nsem Nyinaa Nyame / Nana Kodajayen serves as a modern vehicle for the preservation of Ahemaa Nwomkro, a traditional Akan women’s choral group from Ghana. The label, founded by Max Weissenardt, focuses on documenting and releasing contemporary high-quality recordings of traditional music from West Africa, often utilizing analogue recording techniques to capture the raw energy and rhythmic complexity of ensembles that might otherwise remain confined to local performances.

The record captures the distinct sound of the Nwomkro style, which features polyrhythmic hand-clapping and intricate vocal harmonies layered over traditional percussion. This release is part of a broader effort to introduce international audiences to the lyrical depth of Akan music, where song serves as a vital oral record of social history and philosophy. By pressing these performances onto vinyl, Philophon aims to provide a tangible format that respects the cultural gravity of the group’s intricate storytelling and vocal traditions.