Night session concert : Osei Korankye

Having served as a court instrument of the Asante Kingdom in the 18th century, it gradually integrated into community life, accompanying songs, storytelling, and proverbs. Dubbed « the soul of highlife », it went on to influence key guitar styles within this major musical genre. 

Having grown rare during the 20th century, the practice of the seperewa is carried on by only a few performers today. Osei Korankye is a vital figure in its preservation and revival. The instrument maintains a close bond with Twi, one of Ghana's primary languages: its melodic lines mimic spoken intonations, creating a dialogue with the musician's voice. The concert takes place at the heart of Ibrahim Mahama's installation Parliament of Ghosts, which revisits the political and colonial history of Ghana.

At the center of this « parliament », Asante stools recall the memory of the plunder associated with the Anglo-Ashanti wars. The seperewa, historically bound to these royal courts, directly echoes these artifacts. The performance thus brings together two forms of Ghanaian memory: one embedded in material objects, and the other transmitted through music. 

Programmation : Souleymane Said