Ghana Tourism Authority organises African Choral Festival

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), is organising �African Sing Aloud Choral Festival�, to create an international platform to develop and propagate Africa�s rich choral music. Mr Joseph Appiagyei, Acting Brong Ahafo Regional Manager of GTA, who made this known in Sunyani at the Regional competition organised by the Authority said it was initiated to create diversity in the tourism sector. It was on the theme: �Celebrating culture through choral music.� Mr Appiagyei said the competition would provide opportunity for participating choirs to showcase the best of the Ghanaian culture through choral music. Mr Sampson Donor, Acting Chief Executive Officer of GTA noted that the festival would provide variety of entertainment for tourists as they learn more about the Ghanaian culture through choral music. He said winners from each region would compete at the national level slated for Kumasi in November. The competing groups were Tanokrom Philharmonic Choir established in 1985 with 35 members and Adehyemma Sacred Choir formed in 1983 with 50 members, all based in Sunyani The choirs performed two compulsory songs, �Yaanom Abibirema and Safari Ya Bamba� in addition to three optional songs. Nkoli Fu Yu, Yenni Atuo, Yenni Abo and Nananom Mbo were the additional songs performed by Tanokrom while Adehyemma performed Fano Saa Ara, Aseda Nka Onyame and Zaphenat Paneah. Adhyemma won with 73.4 points and was presented with a certificate of participation and GH�1000.00 cash and Tanokrom with 72.7 points also received a certificate of participation and GH�500.00 cash. The judges used rhythm, pronunciation, tone quality, dynamics, harmony and conducting as the criteria to determine the winner.