Ghanaian folk music is more than just sound—it is the heartbeat of community life, a living tradition where music, dance, and storytelling intertwine. Whether celebrating a birth, marriage, or a ceremonial rite of passage, traditional Ghanaian music serves as a bridge between generations, preserving cultural values through melody and movement.
One group that has consistently championed and elevated this musical heritage is Asafoatse Cultural Whispers. Founded in 2015 by Frank Appiah, this renowned ensemble is comprised of exceptionally talented musicians and dancers whose performances embody the soul of Ghanaian folk music, drumming, and traditional dance. Their artistry has made them an indispensable part of Ghana’s cultural music scene, earning them recognition both locally and internationally.
At the forefront of Asafoatse Cultural Whispers are four gifted vocalists who also serve as dynamic dancers, seamlessly blending melody and movement to tell the stories of their ancestors. These remarkable women—Faustina Osei, Grace Yaa Aboraa Addo, Jacobina Ampofowaa Oduro, and Cecelia Kwarteng—deliver hauntingly beautiful harmonies that evoke emotions, inspire unity, and connect audiences to the spirit of Ghanaian tradition.
But their talent goes beyond singing. They breathe life into Ghana’s diverse dance traditions, performing captivating routines from different ethnic groups across the country. Their repertoire includes: Agbadza – A rhythmic dance of the Ewe people., Adowa – A graceful and symbolic dance of the Akan people, Kple and Kpanlogo – High-energy social dances of the Ga community, Apatampa – A storytelling dance from the Fante people, Kpanaliumni – A ceremonial dance of the Gonja people in Northern Ghana and Kete – A royal Asante dance performed at traditional events.
Each performance is a celebration of community, solidarity, healing, and shared experiences, where song, rhythm, and dance merge into a mesmerizing spectacle.
Behind the mesmerizing vocals and dances lies a rich percussive and instrumental foundation, provided by the skilled musicians of Asafoatse Cultural Whispers. Their instruments—handcrafted in Ghana—bring authenticity and depth to every performance.
The Percussionists are Samuel Appiah – Master of the Gome, a box drum with deep bass tones, Daniel Ayeh – Expert in the Conga, known for its versatile rhythms, Edward – Djembe specialist, delivering rapid, complex beats, Erka – Player of the Atumpan, a pair of talking drums used for communication and Frank Appiah – Leader of the group and master of the Talking Drum, which mimics human speech through tonal variations.
The Melodic Instrumentalists are Ali Abubakari & Abednego – Virtuosos of the Kora (a 21-string harp-lute) and Seprewa (a smaller Ghanaian harp-lute). Their delicate, melodic plucking adds a transcendent quality to the group’s performances.
The group has a Legacy of Dedication & Cultural Preservation. Despite changes in membership over the years, Frank Appiah remains committed to the vision he set in motion in 2015. He acknowledges that while some of the founding members have moved on, the current lineup is bound by a deep sense of loyalty and passion for their craft. Their unwavering dedication ensures that Asafoatse Cultural Whispers will continue to be a beacon of Ghanaian heritage for years to come.
Through soul-stirring vocals, intricate drumming, and mesmerizing dance, Asafoatse Cultural Whispers remains one of the most influential and respected cultural ensembles in Ghana, carrying the heartbeat of their ancestors into the future.