Thomas Nimo ( Papa Jahma)

As a professional drummer I know the real meaning of drumming. I was the lead drummer for a popular Ghanaian band "Amakye Dede.

I was thinking that coming to United State and working for hard currency (dollar) will bring me a happiness and better life with less sorrow, but yet, something was missing until I joined this group, a non profit organization, Afriyie Fontomfrom Cultural Troupe.

The history of this group has come to prove today our zeal for drumming and the aspiration to bring West African tradition to a limelight.

Drumming and performing Ghanaian cultural practices to governmental functions and national festivals across United State is one of my most biggest achievement. I am proud to part of this group .

Michael Ackom:

Michael is a former member of Art Council of Ghana.

We personally believe that drum and it rhythm plays a significant role in both the spiritual and physical world of our lives. The magical and healing qualities of drums helps us to sustains this hustling world. Whether you believe it or not the drum spirit or body endorphins causes a healing, and it is a fact that drum rhythms affect us physically.

Afriyie fontomfrom cultural troop drummers plays the true tradition beat and rhythm; some of the oldest drumming in Ghana, with complex talking drum illustrating and announcing events that challenges listener and performer alike.

The dancing is joyful, expressive and highly participatory. This live performance brinks joy to the soul, the spirit and the body making the audience go wow and shouting "ankoo, ankoo", meaning repeat or give us more.

K. Lucas

What is my culture?

Why do I still want to preserve it ?

Yaw Kusi

The word culture comes from the Latin root colere (to inhabit, to cultivate, or to honor). In general, it refers to human activity; different definitions of culture reflect different theories for understanding, or criteria for valuing, human activity. Anthropologists use the term to refer to the universal human capacity to classify experiences, and to encode and communicate them symbolically. They regard this capacity as a defining feature of the genus Homo.

Akans of Ghana believe that a better education in life is to respect culture and tradition. It is said to be true since their culture consist of traditional norms that are recognized, appreciated and respected courtesy to a civilize society. Educating a kid to respect a tradition is the beginning of knowing God a hence a respectful and a cultured kid.

The talking Drump

One of the unique features of the drummers of Afriyie Fontom cultural troupe is their ability to closely imitate the rhythms and intonations of spoken language. Skilled performers, drums and reproduces the sounds of proverbs or praise songs through a specialized "drum language". Their dialogue can be easily understood by a knowledgeable Akan audience. Whether accompanying dances or sending messages, the sound of these instruments can carry many miles away.

Afriyie fontomfrom Cultural troupe send strong messages from close to far and beyond.

Some of our drumming patterns and rhythms are also closely linked with "nananom” or spiritual beings connected with our traditional ancestors.

Praises to our God almighty for our immortal spirits.

We drum for purity, and successes in our life as ordained by the most High.

This trumpet is made from one piece of heavy wood, carved with decorative patterns of elephant leather. Trumpets are usually blown from the end but this one have it mouthpiece cut at the side.

Only few musician know how to handle this trumpet. It need respect and intelligent in other to send your message through this piece of African art.

I am happy to be one of the chosen one to play this kind of trumpet.

Uncle B

I'm proud to have best and reliable friends in my life. Drumming and dancing are my best pals. I don't believe in the drummers but I believe in the rhythm and message it carries.

Why are you sad and down in the dumps?

Just join our us, your soul will be redeemed and you will start getting a beautiful smiling face like MINE.