Your average Swede is probably not too familiar with African music. It just doesn’t really get here. And if it does, it’s too dense and rhythmic for a stiff Swede to shake anything but its head.

Modern Ghanaians is the title track from King Ayisoba’s latest album. The kologo king of northern Ghana has gained fame quickly, in his home country and on other continents than Africa. His choice of language in his songwriting includes frafra (a language spoken by the Frafra people of northern Ghana), twi (spoken mostly in the southern regions) and English.

The cultural references, vibe and message in King Ayisoba’s music are far from the Scandinavian attitude and general vibe–still there’s no reason for not comprehending the music. Because after breaking it all down, it’s wonderful music from a wonderful part of the world.

Words by David Johansson

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6boxo_xDU8">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6boxo_xDU8</a>

King Ayisoba is at Södra Teatern on March 20.