By Renowned Ghanaian musician Okyeame Kwame may be stepping away from rap as he ages, opting instead to embrace the bamboo flute, commonly known as atentenben in Ghana.
Acknowledging that rap demands significant energy, Okyeame Kwame expressed concern that he may not be able to continue performing rap actively in the future. As a result, he is currently learning to play the flute.
In an interview with Quophi Okyeame on his ’30 Questions’ show, Okyeame Kwame shared that he has been developing this new skill for the past four months.
“Currently, I picked up a flute – atentenben, and I have been playing it for maybe four months and I am learning to play atentenben because very soon I will be old and weak and I still want to do music. Rap is tough on the bones. I want to be able to sit down and collect money from the Europeans and play it to them.
I will add a little drama, women with big ‘nyash’ in rafias and kente and create a certain persona and all that I am doing is to play the atentenben to them,” he quipped.
Over the years, Okyeame Kwame has matured in the music industry, evolving from a rapper into a musician who understands the fundamentals of music and incorporates them into his compositions. After going solo, he has adopted a more melodic style, blending singing with spoken word even in his rap delivery.
His new journey of learning to play the atentenben is likely to earn him considerable acclaim and solidify his status as one of Ghana’s most accomplished musicians.
Okyeame Kwame has achieved remarkable milestones in the music industry, setting himself apart from his peers with a brand that resonates with discerning music lovers.
His discography includes notable songs such as “Woara,” “Woso,” “Anaa,” “Made in Ghana,” and “No Competition,” among others.
About Atentenben
The atenteben is a bamboo flute from Ghana that can be played both diatonically and chromatically.
Originally utilized as a traditional instrument—most commonly in funeral processions—it began to find its place in contemporary and classical music in the 20th century.
Several players have achieved remarkable virtuosity on the atenteben, allowing them to perform both Western and African music styles on the instrument.
Atentenben
The atenteben originates from Tweneduruase in the Kwahu Plateau of south-central Ghana. It was first popularized nationwide by the Ghanaian musicologist Ephraim Amu.
The instrument gained further recognition through its inclusion in the Pan-African Orchestra, led by Nana Danso Abiam.
Dela Botri, a former member of the orchestra, is now considered one of Ghana’s leading exponents of the atenteben. Since 2004, Botri has been integrating the atenteben with hiplife music in his recordings.
Dela Botri playing atentenben
The atenteben flute is one of the most versatile musical instruments in Ghana. The modern atenteben, designed in B flat and C, was developed by the musicologist, composer, and flautist Ephraim Amu (1899-1995).
His pioneering work established a notated musical tradition for the instrument and incorporated it into the curricula of major educational institutions in Ghana, including Achimota Secondary School and the University of Ghana.
