Wisconsin, Accra \u2013 22 March, 2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAs a chorister and a lover of choral music, music has inspired and blessed me in indescribable ways. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Methodist hymnal used by the Methodist Church Ghana (my mother church) contains 984 hymns, and 78 Canticles and Psalms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sometimes the lyrics of a hymn are a form of prayer on their own when they are sung with a genuine and faithful heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This has caught on even within the historic orthodox churches. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It has won the hearts of many people in the country and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The words in each hymn have a way of reflecting the word of God in our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/writersghana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/905b32117dc1de6438df4cc56b533c89.jpg\")
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And of course there is almost always the accompanying pulsating rhythm of the cowbell and drums to provide a unique Ghanaian flavour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In recent times choral music has grown so widely and maintained its popularity despite a rising Christian charismatic movement characterised by its own variety of Gospel music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/writersghana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/images-27.jpg\")
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But we can safely assume that choral music, being rooted within Ghana’s secondary school system, will continue to have a corp of loyal fans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018Catch them young and they will forever be yours’. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/writersghana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/download-1.png\")
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Many music men, yes men, have taken upon themselves to set up a choral group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Ghana, the leading and most influential choral group is Harmonious Choral Ghana, a non-denominational group founded by James Varrick Armah in 2007.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/writersghana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/images-29.jpg\")
One Voice Choir, Vocal Essence Choral, Gramophone Chorus, Lapaz Community Youth Choir and a lot more choral groups are making waves in Ghana with good choral music. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Music directors cannot be left out when it comes to choral music; they play an indispensable role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Rev Newlove Kojo Annan, a renowned choral music composer of the popular tune “Your Grace and Mercy”, which has won the hearts of many people in Ghana and outside the country is trending today. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/writersghana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Methodist-Church-logo.png\"){kind=logo}
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Kras Arthur, Dr Benjamin Amakye-Boateng, Yaw Sakyi Baidoo, Ken Kafui, Asare Bediako, Osei Boateng and Nii Kpakpo Thompson, among others, are great music directors who have contributed to contemporary choral music in Ghana. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The security services have strong choral music groups. Unfortunately, their performances are limited to their quarters and are heard only during national celebrations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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