Listen UP: Jowaa – Asokpor 1.0

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In the 1990s, house and techno got a lot of airplay in Accra – people called it asokpor. Twenty years later electronic music has become very discreet in Ghana, but its influence has subtly permeated the DNA of Accra’s producers.

Jowaa is taking asokpor back center stage, this time fueled by Accra’s rich rhythmic tradition. Think of it as Detroit meets kpanlogo. Or better yet, stop thinking, just dance hard – jo waa in Accra’s Ga language.

The project is the collaboration of two dance music fiends, Ghanaian producer and DJ Gafacci and Akwaaba label boss and DJ BBrave. The two brewed their sound for a couple of years before unleashing a slew of free downloads in 2017. The sound got noticed and immediately integrated the growing network of African electronic music events, with sets at Nyege Nyege Festivalin Uganda, Africa Bass Culture in Burkina Faso, Alchemist in Kenya, Ubris in Ivory Coast, and of course at home in Ghana at Chale Wote, Asa Baako and Meet Me There festivals.

Asokpor 1.0 is the first in a series of EPs which aim to propel audiences onto the dance floor, from Accra’s coastal communities to clubs across the world. As the EP’s closing track suggests, jo keke – just dance! ]]>