This Is Zologo Beat

"This is the music being played on cell phones, car speakers and sound systems in and around Bongo and Bolgatanga, the main city and capital of Ghana’s Upper East region. This is the mix of local rhythms and melodies played on traditional instruments mixed with producer Francis Ayamga’s Fruity Loops-sampling madness and Cubase-programmed electro beats with on top of it all the words, rhymes, vocals and stories of the young people hanging around the Top Link studio waiting for an opportunity to throw down their voice on a fresh made track.

You'll find the studio just off the road from Bolgatanga to Bongo. Youngsters are driving their motorbikes up and down the dirt track, kids are gathering near the entrance as soon as they see a local rapper nearing the regional musical hotspot. On a wooden bench outside against the wall, strategically placed in the shade, musicians and vocalists are rehearsing their lines while reading their words from their cellphones.

The main language on this album is Fare Fare, the regional language in Ghana’s Upper East region. ‘Zologo’ means ‘crazy’ in Fare Fare (also known as Frafra).”


All tracks recorded, mixed and produced by Francis Ayamga at Top Link studio in Bongo, Ghana.
All beats, synths and bleeps by Francis Ayamga.
Track 4 - kologo by Prince Buju.
Track 10 - sinyaka by Dondada.
Mastering by Arnold de Boer, Amsterdam, NL.
Pictures by Francis Ayamga.
Artwork by Arnold de Boer.