Jonathan Dots

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Jonathan Dots (July 2008)

Name: Jonathan Dots
Born: 1982 in Dagbamete
Education: Degree in Computer Science


Jonathan Dots is one of Kwasi’s sons. He says that music today is associated with certain days and events such as funerals, and emphasized the “quality of worship” at the shrine and that Christianity has not influenced the practices there. He told me that the crowds at events have become larger in recent years, increasing the need for amplifying the voices. This is why speakers were used at the funeral during our visit to Dagbamete.

Jonathan says that there is very little generation gap between the youth and the elders in terms of music. However, at the same time he explained that he did not know how to play Gahu until Kwasi taught students such as us from North America. He also explained that younger members of the community have begun to associate with the rest of the adults in order to listen to their own music.

Jonathan likes Kpanlogo dancing and when asked to choose his favorite between Zigi, Kpanlogo and Gahu, he prefers Zigi as very simple but still likes it. Hip-life and hip-hop came to the area in the 80s. He only likes listening to these kinds of music when he is in the city, not in the village. This music was not present when he was young and it has spread through CDs and cassettes, which are readily available at the market.

According to Jonathan, it is more difficult for those who have farms and gardens to attend ceremonies. These occupations require more time. He explained that those who come to Dagbamete from North America dance very differently. He likes to learn dancing from those who visit the village. He uses the radio primarily to listen to soccer matches, and likes listening to jazz and country music, and said that he was exposed to these two genres on the internet.

Interviewed by Patrick Smith on 27 July 2008

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