Edited by Azizi Powell
This is Part III of a three part series on Ghanaian jama (gyama) and
Ghanaian jama sessions.
Part III showcases six videos of secular (non-religious) jama songs and jama sessions from Ghanaian secondary schools (high schools), colleges, and universities.
The Addendum to this post features two examples of jamas from Allan Family, a Ghanaian band. I'm not sure if these examples are religious or non-religious.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/10/ghanaian-jama-gyama-definitions.html for Part I of this series. Part I includes my speculative definitions of the Ghanaian meanings of the word "jama" (gyama) with examples from YouTube discussion threads. Part I also features an excerpt from a Ghanaian article that mentions gyama. That article includes two text examples of jamas.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/10/video-examples-of-ghanaian-black-stars.html for Part II of this series. Part II features videos of the Ghanaian football (soccer) team, the Black Stars, singing jamas.
The content of this post is provided for cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
Thanks to all those who are featured in these videos. Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post, and thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
****
MY SPECULATIVE DEFINITIONS FOR THE GHANAIAN TERM "JAMA" (GYAMA)
Additions and corrections to these speculative definitions would be greatly appreciated. I'm particularly interested in knowing when (decades) the term "jama sessions" and/or "jama songs" was first used in Ghana and whether these terms are also used elsewhere in Africa.
Speculative Definitions For Jama:
In Ghana (and perhaps elsewhere in West Africa and/or Africa), the word "jama" ("gyama") appears to be a noun, and maybe also as an adjective or a verb.
Jama, noun
1. group morale, team spirit
Example: marisol ex, 2014
i love dis show it shows that in ghana we have more jama
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRlx3sQg2uI GH Loudest "Won Shi Jama" Edition 3
**
Jama, a double noun (or an adjective + a noun?)
2. a place or an occasion where jama songs and other jama activity occurs; "a jama session"*, a "jama competition", a "jama celebration"
Example (Summary for the video whose link is given above) GH Loudest, a jama competition codenamed "won shi Jama" featuring 20 supporter groups in Ghana
-snip-
Note: Jama activity may be quite boisterous, and includes usually
uptempo [?], singing (or chanting ?) that can be accompanied by drums and other percussive instruments (beaded gourd instrument, iron bell), and/or horns, hand clapping, jumping up and down, dancing (for example: Azonto, Kpanlogo), males waving shirts or flags, etc.
**
Jama, a double noun (or adjective + a noun?)
descriptive of the type of music or songs
Additional speculative definitions and comments can be found in Part I of this pancocojams series. Additions and corrections are welcome.
*It's important to also note that the Ghanaian term "jama sessions" doesn't have the same meaning as the American (United States) term "jam sessions". One definition for "jam session" is "a meeting of a group of musicians, especially jazz musicians, to play for their own enjoyment."
In the USA, "college" means post-secondary school. However, in Ghana, "college" may be the same as "high school" (secondary schools) are in the United States.
I think that Ghanaian college/university jamas are quite similar in purpose and in (some) activities to American pep rallies, at least to how those pep rallies used to be (pre-1990s? or earlier) before they became structured entertainment programs that feature dance performances, lightly competitive comedic games, and other content.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/10/the-changing-content-of-american-high.html for a pancocojams post on American pep rallies.
****
SHOWCASE EXAMPLES
These examples are given in chronological order according to their publishing dates on YouTube with the oldest dated example given first.
The comments are given to provide examples of how the word "jama" is used and to add to the experience of watching and hearing these videos. The comments are given in chronological order, except for responses. However, they may not be in consecutive order.
Editor's Note: Pancocojams policy is not to print any text that contains profanity other than the word "damn" or is sexually explicit.
Unfortunately, I don't speak or read any language but English. Consequently, I don't know what these songs are about. Several commenters wrote that some jama songs can be rather irreverent. My guess is that some jama songs might (also) be sexually explicit. My apologies if any of the content of these videos is contrary to this blog's policy.
That said, these videos of Ghanaian high school, college, and university jamas (and particularly the video of Jama in Stadium) remind me of the boisterous enthusiasm of some United States high school and pep rallies. A pancocojams post on pep rallies will be published ASAP and the link to that post will be added here for comparison's sake.
Example #1: Jama in Stadium
Dennis Archipalago, Uploaded on Jun 29, 2011
-snip-
241denzel, 2011
"thats is Inter-Schools (interco) sports competition day in Kumasi, GHANA.....damn, i miss those ol'skuul dayz. It was all fun!!!!!!!!!!"
-snip-
The article excerpted in Part I of this series refers to inter-schools sports competitive day (interco).
****
Example #2: Katanga Morale (gyama)
Nana Kofi, Uploaded on Jan 19, 2012
Soul uplifting morale.
-snip-
Selected comments from this video's discussion thread:
2012
Kojo Kojor
"clasic gyama"
**
2013
Kwabena Asamoah
"Miss my days back at the greatest hall there ever is. Fellows, Chaaaaarrrrggggeeeeeee!!!!!!!!"
2014
Sam Oystein
"It is interesting how your worldview changes years after leaving KNUST. Some of the words are quite uncomfortable. I now understand why some of our hall masters were so much interested in limiting the excesses.
I cannot believe I sang all these songs in Katanga. Hmmm.... but that is a stage every young man goes through I guess...We live to learn. Interesting times."
**
Sam Oystein
"The last jama made my day...
Katanga is the superpower of UST...
Katanga wonim no na woo do no.....
Brings back memories of days by the central pond and hearing sounds of the bombardier and the smell of the carbide and going through some levels of illusions and hallucinations :D
Interesting times."
**
Isaac Asante
"Kai, The Legend Lives On. Fellows Chhhhhhaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgggggggggggggggeeeeeeeeeee"
2015
Andy Dean
"@ the end of it all there shall be only one university hall, KATANGA. Fellows......CHARGE"
**
samuel tagoe
spoil dere
charley when i here this jama den something happens to me
charley thanks kk
-snip-
"KNUST" = Kwame Nkrumah University Of Science And Technology (Ghana)
"Katanga" is a particular hall [college?] in KNUST.
A video of jamas from Continental, another KNUST hall, is given below.
****
Example #3: gyama wesco
Eddyfrimp, Published on May 19, 2012
wesley college Kumasi
-snip-
Selected comments from this video's discussion thread:
2012
jjofori
"Debauchery from FUTURE TEACHERS!...AWFUL!!!
WESCO is now a far cry from the elite institution we all used to dream about in our teen years!"
**
SASBB25
"ALUMNI. THIS IS AWSOME!! LET THE YOUTH ENJOY."
-snip-
Here's information from Wesley College's Wikipedia page: "Wesley College of Education is a Teacher Training College in Kumasi, Ashanti Region in Ghana."
****
Example #4: Conti.. morale(unity hall knust)
Senanu Sedzro, Published on May 27, 2013
welcome to the most powerful hall in knust..
-snip-
Selected comments from this video's discussion thread:
2014
Papa Kwame
"proud continental"
**
christian mbeah-baiden
"CONTI POWER"
**
Mustapha Sanusi
"that is great the jam is good"
****
Example #5: Adisco jama 2013 year group
godwin avoryie, Published on Mar 17, 2014
-snip-
Here's a comment from this video's discussion thread:
bernard amponfi, 2014
"aww i miss my sch...santas for life"
-snip-
Adisadel College is an all boys public high school in Ghana.
"Adisco" is mentioned in the text of one of the jamas given in an article that is excerpted in Part I of this series.
Note that "__ for life" is a saying that I've found in a number of
YouTube discussion threads of a number of other contemporary videos from Africa and the African Diaspora, including African Americans. I think this saying came from historically Black (African American) Greek letter fraternities and sororities, but I'm not sure about that. "__ for life" means that the person is very proud of belonging to that population and/or institution or group.
****
Example #6: GH Loudest "Won Shi Jama" Edition 3
Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Published on May 28, 2014
GH Loudest, a jama competition codenamed "won shi Jama" featuring 20 supporter groups in Ghana
-snip-
Here's a comment from this video's discussion thread:
marisol ex, 2014
"i love dis show it shows that in ghana we have more jama"
****
ADDENDUM: TWO ADDITIONAL VIDEOS OF GHANAIAN JAMA
Example #1: Jama - Allan Family
tulyricz, Uploaded on Jan 19, 2010
Jama music from Accra Ghana.Ghana music,west african music.
-snip-
Selected comments from this video's discussion thread:
2011
lauri greg
"This is PURE JAMA PAAAAAA....GHANA OHHHHHHHHH OSEY YEHHHHHHHH....FORWARD EVER BACKWARDS NEVER...."
**
persilva2001
"good cultural beat...still sankofa...the good old beats...ghana all the way."
**
2012
P NA
"My parents are Ewe, and I can feel every bit of this music. Can you feel those drums? Who needs a guitar or saxophone to make great music?"
**
Atlas24gh
"Kpanlogo"
-snip-
Here's information about Kpanlogo music:
"Kpanlogo is a recreational dance and music form from Ghana, West Africa. It was first played by the Ga ethnic group, most of whom live in and around the capital city, Accra, but is now performed and enjoyed throughout the country. It began in the early 1960s as an innovative dance form, influenced by American rock and roll, and giving the younger Ga generations a point of distinction from their elders. Ghanaian master drummer C.K. Ladzekpo states that kpanlogo "is essentially an urban youth dance-drumming and a symbol of the commitment of a rapidly growing Ghanaian urban neighborhood youth in advocating their perspective in shaping the political vision of post colonial Africa" (1995: web).[1] The kpanlogo dance is often performed low to the ground, with bent knees and bent back, and frequently features sexually suggestive motions.
The music accompanying the kpanlogo dance is drawn from older Ga drumming traditions, such as gome, oge and kolomashie. Kpanlogo music uses three types of instruments: nono (metal bell), fao (gourd rattle), and kpanlogo drums."...https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kpanlogo
**
2014
Seth Addae
"Thats High School time, full Jama"
****
Example #2: Allan Family - Kenan (Jama Song) [[Adadamu]]
Adadamu, Published on Dec 28, 2014
Keeping The Spirit Of Original Ghanaian Music Alive!!
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
Showing posts with label Jama Sessions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jama Sessions. Show all posts
Monday, October 26, 2015
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Video Examples Of The Ghanaian Black Stars (Football Team) Singing Jama
Edited by Azizi Powell
This is Part II of a three part series on Ghanaian jama (gyama)and
Ghanaian jama sessions. Part II of this series features videos of the Ghanaian football (soccer) team, the Black Stars, singing jamas.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/10/ghanaian-jama-gyama-definitions.html for Part I of this series. Part I includes my speculative definitions of the Ghanaian meanings of the word "jama" (gyama) with examples from YouTube discussion threads. Part I also features an excerpt from a Ghanaian article that mentions gyama. That article includes two text examples of jamas.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/10/examples-of-non-religious-jamas-from.html for Part III of this series. Part III of this series showcases videos of secular (non-religious) jama songs and jama sessions from Ghanaian secondary schools (high schools), colleges, and universities. Two videos of Jamas from Allan Family, a Ghanaian band, are also featured in that post.
The content of this post is provided for cultural, religious, and aesthetic purposes.
Thanks to the Ghanaian Black Stars for sharing their custom of singing jama with the world. Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post, and thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
****
MY SPECULATIVE DEFINITIONS FOR THE GHANAIAN TERM "JAMA" (GYAMA)
Additions and corrections to these speculative definitions would be greatly appreciated. I'm particularly interested in knowing when (decades) the term "jama sessions" and/or "jama songs" was first used in Ghana and whether these terms are also used elsewhere in Africa.
Speculative Definitions For Jama:
In Ghana (and perhaps elsewhere in West Africa and/or Africa), the word "jama" ("gyama") appears to be a noun, and maybe also as an adjective or a verb.
Jama, noun
1. group morale, team spirit
Example: marisol ex, 2014
i love dis show it shows that in ghana we have more jama
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRlx3sQg2uI GH Loudest "Won Shi Jama" Edition 3
**
Jama, a double noun (or an adjective + a noun?)
2. a place or an occasion where jama songs and other jama activity occurs; "a jama session"*, a "jama competition", a "jama celebration"
Example (Summary for the video whose link is given above) GH Loudest, a jama competition codenamed "won shi Jama" featuring 20 supporter groups in Ghana
-snip-
Note: Jama activity may be quite boisterous, and includes usually
uptempo [?], singing (or chanting ?) that can be accompanied by drums and other percussive instruments (beaded gourd instrument, iron bell), and/or horns, hand clapping, jumping up and down, dancing (for example: , Azonto, Kpanlogo), males waving shirts or flags, etc.
**
Jama, a double noun (or adjective + a noun?)
descriptive of the type of music or songs
Additional speculative definitions and comments can be found in Part I of this pancocojams series. Additions and corrections are welcome.
*It's important to also note that the Ghanaian term "jama sessions" doesn't have the same meaning as the American (United States) term "jam sessions". One definition for American "jam session" is "a meeting of a group of musicians, especially jazz musicians, to play for their own enjoyment."
****
SHOWCASE EXAMPLES
These examples are given in chronological order according to their publishing dates on YouTube with the oldest dated example given first.
The comments are given in chronological order, except for responses. However, they may not be in consecutive order.
Example #1: Ghana players singing the night before AFCON opener
GhanaFA's channel, Uploaded on Jan 24, 2012
Ghana players singing the night before their 2012 Africa Cup of Nations opener against Botswana in Gabon.
-snip-
Selected comments from this video's discussion thread:
2012
infinite light
"beautiful real human connection! can anyone tell me what are they singing, the meaning? beautiful! peace !"
**
Atlas24gh
in reply to infinite light
"@rlpedroso many different songs actually. Its basically Pentecostal praises"
**
Julia Boadi-Damptey
in reply to infinite light
"@rlpedroso They're singing a series of praise & worship songs . It's our way of blessing the game , making it go in our favor ."
**
yeahjunior94
"They finished this Jama with the best song for the tournament! Ghana is going to win indeed"
**
gsnyarko
"asamoah gyan the choir master"
**
BlazerMax
"More VIM!!! Jama your way to the Finals! Go Go Go GHANA!!!"
**
Nomaaay18
"thumps up for Gyan's amazing voice...good team spirit lads, Gods with us....lets goooooo"
**
TheGroovybabe
"when praises goes up blessings come down. God bless THE PEOPLE OF GHANA AMEN"
**
arpu2007
"I love the last song when I was back in Liberia we use to sing that song for hours b4 a game..."
**
Atlas24gh
"they have to pass this bonding medium to the younger generation coming up..as most of them are being reared in European football academies and have missed significant years growing up somewhere else...Jama Gospel is very important to us..we're Ghana!!"
**
AngelMaAdj
"It's a sure win.. It's all about winning.... I'm feelin the Jama.... GH got your back! Go make us proud!"
**
evans boating
"awesome video of our blackstar, they make my day, real jamma paa, God bless our homeland Ghana"
**
Kwame Nsor
"Great jama of praise ..hey, instrumentalists superb!"
**
Mraaa4u
"wow! Gyan is actually a good singer. @6:53-6:54 dude hit a B4 in chest voice. That's a pretty high key. Anybody who is musically inclined will understand this."
**
Kennethab13
"Cant help but smile all the way through!!! Ei Asamoah Gyan jama leader!! And Dede Ayew too dey sing some?? lool Gotta love BlackStars!!
GH STAND UP!!"
**
K400PASCAL
"Asamoah Gyan>>>Choir Master
Jonathan Mensah>The Drummer Boy
Daniel Opare >>>>The Azonto Dancer
J Mensah/Painstil >Gongo beaters
Vorsah/Kwarasey >Main Clappers
John Boye/Inkoom>Recipient Vocalists
Others>>>>>>>>>Dancers/clappers/Vocalists
For you to join the black Stars you got to have one of these talents added to your playing ability. No wonder i dont see some particular players invited.lol"
**
K400PASCAL
"damn ive already watch dis lyk 20X already.i jst lyk how blackstars always start every tournament with a jama lyk this."2010"world cup they did de same thing.it brought bck sum memories too.during high skool yrs we used to do de same.this's wht ghana is all about uniting in good spirit to conquer one aim.Apart frm Bafana Bafana who sing minus de instrument no country i repeat no country does this(not i know of).Proud to be a ghanain period."
**
miniwutang
"What a video! makes me wish i was a Ghanaian! Nigeria dont do this!"
**
sarauniyaGH
"@MsTinny15 Isn't it!? That's how Ghanaians are, no matter what we believe in or worship we all come together as one.. always! I myself, am pretty amazed! Ghanaians simply have to be one of the most peaceful, loving people on earth! SO proud of Ghana -3"
****
2012
[I can’t find the comment that prompted this response]
Eugene Petit
in reply to James Dadzie
"you are wrong mate. This is purely cultural. I've been to Ghana and During the Ashanti regional Inter-colleges athletics competition, they sing the same way.The man I visited was teacher at Kumasi High School, beautiful choruses they have. Its also done in south Africa, Botswana etc. I assume you are Ghanaian? because you dont appreciate the culture"
****
Example #2: Asamoah Gyan led Black Stars players in JAMA at AFCON 2012
Bigscout Swag, Uploaded on Jan 27, 2012
-snip-
Selected comments from this video's discussion thread:
2012
vwoke
"This is fantastic. African culture is a beautiful thing.
Love from a Nigerian sister. X"
**
girlsprefect
"the jembe player is good"
**
2013
TheBettysc
"Love this African traditional music"
**
Samuel Appiah
"it is called jama"
**
nana boadi
"i like the morale "
**
kofi atta atta
"ibi soo..uve rili got the ACCRA ACA JAMA SPIRIT IN U"
****
Example #3: Black Stars Jama session ahead of Niger game
David Klogo Published on Jan 28, 2013
Black Stars Jama session ahead of Niger game
****
Example #4: Ghana Black Stars - Never Say Die (Team Spirit) Jama Session
Ghana Music & Entertainment Media Published on Jun 19, 2014
Ghana Black Stars (Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup) Fifa World Cup 2014 Brazil (Ghana vs USA) (Ghana vs Portugal) (Ghana vs Germany) (Fifa World Cup 2014)
****
Example #5: Ghana players singing before the game against Germany
Tomodachi™, Published on Jun 22, 2014
Ghana players sing before the game against Germany
-snip-
Here's a comment from this video's discussion thread:
Sarah Winful, 2014
"FATHER YOU HAVE THE POWER is what they are chanting."
****
Example #6: Black Stars sing ahead of Guinea clash
GHANAsoccernet, Ghana, Published on Oct 15, 2014
Black Stars sing in Tamale a day before their clash against Guinea in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
-snip-
Selected comments from this video's discussion thread:
2014
Leonardo Siciliano
"Beautiful!! What is the meaning of?"
**
Bernard Anyan - Mensah 1
"Singing praises to the Most High God asking for His protection and success in the next match."
**
2015
Evans Arthur
"They are singing gospel songs to praise God in ghana's local language"
****
Example #7: Ghana players in attractive singing on stadium ahead of 2015 AFCON game against Algeria
GHANAsoccernet Ghana, Published on Jan 25, 2015
Ghana Black Stars players arrive in stadium in high spirits ahead of their 2015 Africa Cup of Nations clash against Algeria which they won 1-0 showing unity in the team
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
This is Part II of a three part series on Ghanaian jama (gyama)and
Ghanaian jama sessions. Part II of this series features videos of the Ghanaian football (soccer) team, the Black Stars, singing jamas.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/10/ghanaian-jama-gyama-definitions.html for Part I of this series. Part I includes my speculative definitions of the Ghanaian meanings of the word "jama" (gyama) with examples from YouTube discussion threads. Part I also features an excerpt from a Ghanaian article that mentions gyama. That article includes two text examples of jamas.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/10/examples-of-non-religious-jamas-from.html for Part III of this series. Part III of this series showcases videos of secular (non-religious) jama songs and jama sessions from Ghanaian secondary schools (high schools), colleges, and universities. Two videos of Jamas from Allan Family, a Ghanaian band, are also featured in that post.
The content of this post is provided for cultural, religious, and aesthetic purposes.
Thanks to the Ghanaian Black Stars for sharing their custom of singing jama with the world. Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post, and thanks to the publishers of these videos on YouTube.
****
MY SPECULATIVE DEFINITIONS FOR THE GHANAIAN TERM "JAMA" (GYAMA)
Additions and corrections to these speculative definitions would be greatly appreciated. I'm particularly interested in knowing when (decades) the term "jama sessions" and/or "jama songs" was first used in Ghana and whether these terms are also used elsewhere in Africa.
Speculative Definitions For Jama:
In Ghana (and perhaps elsewhere in West Africa and/or Africa), the word "jama" ("gyama") appears to be a noun, and maybe also as an adjective or a verb.
Jama, noun
1. group morale, team spirit
Example: marisol ex, 2014
i love dis show it shows that in ghana we have more jama
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRlx3sQg2uI GH Loudest "Won Shi Jama" Edition 3
**
Jama, a double noun (or an adjective + a noun?)
2. a place or an occasion where jama songs and other jama activity occurs; "a jama session"*, a "jama competition", a "jama celebration"
Example (Summary for the video whose link is given above) GH Loudest, a jama competition codenamed "won shi Jama" featuring 20 supporter groups in Ghana
-snip-
Note: Jama activity may be quite boisterous, and includes usually
uptempo [?], singing (or chanting ?) that can be accompanied by drums and other percussive instruments (beaded gourd instrument, iron bell), and/or horns, hand clapping, jumping up and down, dancing (for example: , Azonto, Kpanlogo), males waving shirts or flags, etc.
**
Jama, a double noun (or adjective + a noun?)
descriptive of the type of music or songs
Additional speculative definitions and comments can be found in Part I of this pancocojams series. Additions and corrections are welcome.
*It's important to also note that the Ghanaian term "jama sessions" doesn't have the same meaning as the American (United States) term "jam sessions". One definition for American "jam session" is "a meeting of a group of musicians, especially jazz musicians, to play for their own enjoyment."
****
SHOWCASE EXAMPLES
These examples are given in chronological order according to their publishing dates on YouTube with the oldest dated example given first.
The comments are given in chronological order, except for responses. However, they may not be in consecutive order.
Example #1: Ghana players singing the night before AFCON opener
GhanaFA's channel, Uploaded on Jan 24, 2012
Ghana players singing the night before their 2012 Africa Cup of Nations opener against Botswana in Gabon.
-snip-
Selected comments from this video's discussion thread:
2012
infinite light
"beautiful real human connection! can anyone tell me what are they singing, the meaning? beautiful! peace !"
**
Atlas24gh
in reply to infinite light
"@rlpedroso many different songs actually. Its basically Pentecostal praises"
**
Julia Boadi-Damptey
in reply to infinite light
"@rlpedroso They're singing a series of praise & worship songs . It's our way of blessing the game , making it go in our favor ."
**
yeahjunior94
"They finished this Jama with the best song for the tournament! Ghana is going to win indeed"
**
gsnyarko
"asamoah gyan the choir master"
**
BlazerMax
"More VIM!!! Jama your way to the Finals! Go Go Go GHANA!!!"
**
Nomaaay18
"thumps up for Gyan's amazing voice...good team spirit lads, Gods with us....lets goooooo"
**
TheGroovybabe
"when praises goes up blessings come down. God bless THE PEOPLE OF GHANA AMEN"
**
arpu2007
"I love the last song when I was back in Liberia we use to sing that song for hours b4 a game..."
**
Atlas24gh
"they have to pass this bonding medium to the younger generation coming up..as most of them are being reared in European football academies and have missed significant years growing up somewhere else...Jama Gospel is very important to us..we're Ghana!!"
**
AngelMaAdj
"It's a sure win.. It's all about winning.... I'm feelin the Jama.... GH got your back! Go make us proud!"
**
evans boating
"awesome video of our blackstar, they make my day, real jamma paa, God bless our homeland Ghana"
**
Kwame Nsor
"Great jama of praise ..hey, instrumentalists superb!"
**
Mraaa4u
"wow! Gyan is actually a good singer. @6:53-6:54 dude hit a B4 in chest voice. That's a pretty high key. Anybody who is musically inclined will understand this."
**
Kennethab13
"Cant help but smile all the way through!!! Ei Asamoah Gyan jama leader!! And Dede Ayew too dey sing some?? lool Gotta love BlackStars!!
GH STAND UP!!"
**
K400PASCAL
"Asamoah Gyan>>>Choir Master
Jonathan Mensah>The Drummer Boy
Daniel Opare >>>>The Azonto Dancer
J Mensah/Painstil >Gongo beaters
Vorsah/Kwarasey >Main Clappers
John Boye/Inkoom>Recipient Vocalists
Others>>>>>>>>>Dancers/clappers/Vocalists
For you to join the black Stars you got to have one of these talents added to your playing ability. No wonder i dont see some particular players invited.lol"
**
K400PASCAL
"damn ive already watch dis lyk 20X already.i jst lyk how blackstars always start every tournament with a jama lyk this."2010"world cup they did de same thing.it brought bck sum memories too.during high skool yrs we used to do de same.this's wht ghana is all about uniting in good spirit to conquer one aim.Apart frm Bafana Bafana who sing minus de instrument no country i repeat no country does this(not i know of).Proud to be a ghanain period."
**
miniwutang
"What a video! makes me wish i was a Ghanaian! Nigeria dont do this!"
**
sarauniyaGH
"@MsTinny15 Isn't it!? That's how Ghanaians are, no matter what we believe in or worship we all come together as one.. always! I myself, am pretty amazed! Ghanaians simply have to be one of the most peaceful, loving people on earth! SO proud of Ghana -3"
****
2012
[I can’t find the comment that prompted this response]
Eugene Petit
in reply to James Dadzie
"you are wrong mate. This is purely cultural. I've been to Ghana and During the Ashanti regional Inter-colleges athletics competition, they sing the same way.The man I visited was teacher at Kumasi High School, beautiful choruses they have. Its also done in south Africa, Botswana etc. I assume you are Ghanaian? because you dont appreciate the culture"
****
Example #2: Asamoah Gyan led Black Stars players in JAMA at AFCON 2012
Bigscout Swag, Uploaded on Jan 27, 2012
-snip-
Selected comments from this video's discussion thread:
2012
vwoke
"This is fantastic. African culture is a beautiful thing.
Love from a Nigerian sister. X"
**
girlsprefect
"the jembe player is good"
**
2013
TheBettysc
"Love this African traditional music"
**
Samuel Appiah
"it is called jama"
**
nana boadi
"i like the morale "
**
kofi atta atta
"ibi soo..uve rili got the ACCRA ACA JAMA SPIRIT IN U"
****
Example #3: Black Stars Jama session ahead of Niger game
David Klogo Published on Jan 28, 2013
Black Stars Jama session ahead of Niger game
****
Example #4: Ghana Black Stars - Never Say Die (Team Spirit) Jama Session
Ghana Music & Entertainment Media Published on Jun 19, 2014
Ghana Black Stars (Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup) Fifa World Cup 2014 Brazil (Ghana vs USA) (Ghana vs Portugal) (Ghana vs Germany) (Fifa World Cup 2014)
****
Example #5: Ghana players singing before the game against Germany
Tomodachi™, Published on Jun 22, 2014
Ghana players sing before the game against Germany
-snip-
Here's a comment from this video's discussion thread:
Sarah Winful, 2014
"FATHER YOU HAVE THE POWER is what they are chanting."
****
Example #6: Black Stars sing ahead of Guinea clash
GHANAsoccernet, Ghana, Published on Oct 15, 2014
Black Stars sing in Tamale a day before their clash against Guinea in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
-snip-
Selected comments from this video's discussion thread:
2014
Leonardo Siciliano
"Beautiful!! What is the meaning of?"
**
Bernard Anyan - Mensah 1
"Singing praises to the Most High God asking for His protection and success in the next match."
**
2015
Evans Arthur
"They are singing gospel songs to praise God in ghana's local language"
****
Example #7: Ghana players in attractive singing on stadium ahead of 2015 AFCON game against Algeria
GHANAsoccernet Ghana, Published on Jan 25, 2015
Ghana Black Stars players arrive in stadium in high spirits ahead of their 2015 Africa Cup of Nations clash against Algeria which they won 1-0 showing unity in the team
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Ghanaian Jama (Gyama) - Definitions, Examples, & Comments
Edited by Azizi Powell
This is Part I of a three part series on Ghanaian jama (gyama) and
Ghanaian jama sessions.
Part I includes my speculative definitions of the Ghanaian meanings of the word "jama" (gyama) with examples from YouTube discussion threads. Part I also features an excerpt from a Ghanaian article that mentions gyama. That article includes two text examples of jamas.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/10/video-examples-of-ghanaian-black-stars.html for Part II of this series. Part II features videos of the Ghanaian football (soccer) team, the Black Stars, singing jamas.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/10/examples-of-non-religious-jamas-from.html for Part III of this series. Part III of this series showcases videos of secular (non-religious) jama songs and jama sessions from Ghanaian secondary schools (high schools), colleges, and universities. Two videos of Jamas from Allan Family, a Ghanaian band, are also featured in that post.
The content of this post is provided for informational and cultural purposes.
Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.
****
MY SPECULATIVE DEFINITIONS FOR THE GHANAIAN TERM "JAMA" (GYAMA)
Disclaimer: I searched online, but couldn't find any definition for the Ghanaian use of the term "jama" (gyama), "jama sessions" (gyama sessions) or "jama songs" (gyama songs). The only article that I found which included any information about Ghanaian jamas is the one which is excerpted below.
These speculative definitions are my conclusions from reading that article, from watching all the videos on Ghanaian jamas that are currently published on YouTube, and from reading all the comments that are found in those videos' discussion thread. (Note: Some of those videos have no discussion thread, and the videos that do have a discussion thread only have a small number of comments.)
I don't speak or read any language other than English and I just learned about Ghanaian jama sessions, and jama songs yesterday. (Read my comment in the section below as to how I happened to look for videos of Ghanaians singing jamas).
Additions and corrections to these speculative definitions would be greatly appreciated. I'm particularly interested in knowing when (decades) the term "jama sessions" and/or "jama songs" was first used in Ghana and whether these terms are also used elsewhere in Africa.
Speculative Definitions For Jama:
In Ghana (and perhaps elsewhere in West Africa and/or Africa), the word "jama" ("gyama") appears to be a noun, and maybe also as an adjective or a verb.
Jama, noun
1. group morale, team spirit
Example: marisol ex, 2014
i love dis show it shows that in ghana we have more jama
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRlx3sQg2uI GH Loudest "Won Shi Jama" Edition 3
**
Jama, a double noun (or an adjective?)
2. a place or an occasion where jama songs and other jama activity occurs; "a jama session"*, a "jama competition", a "jama celebration"
Example (Summary for the video whose link is given above) GH Loudest, a jama competition codenamed "won shi Jama" featuring 20 supporter groups in Ghana
-snip-
Note: Jama activity may be quite boisterous, and includes usually
uptempo [?], singing (or chanting ?) that can be accompanied by drums and other percussive instruments (beaded gourd instrument, iron bell), and/or horns, hand clapping, dancing (for example: jumping up and down, Azonto, Kpanlogo), males waving shirts or flags, etc.
**
Jama, a double noun (or adjective + a noun?)
descriptive of the type of music or songs
Example: (summary statement of https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrxeYKJ1xqo "Jama - Allan Family ")
Jama music from Accra Ghana.Ghana music,west african music.
-snip-
Note that jama songs can be either secular or religious, depending
on the occasion, and place that they are performed. According to some comments in the discussion threads on university jamas, some secular jama songs are quite raunchy (dirty).
**
Jama, a double noun (or adjective + a noun?)
Example: Sophia..We dont have titles for these songs..They are random songs we use in our jaama celebrations. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSCH2L_pNXk
Jama (gyama) songs - songs that help bolster group morale and foster group unity.
**
"Jama" as a verb:
More VIM!!! Jama your way to the Finals! Go Go Go GHANA!!!
-BlazerMax, 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvtSLINwBxs
Ghana players singing the night before AFCON opener
*Editorial comment:
It's important to also note that the Ghanaian term "jama sessions" doesn't have the same meaning as the American (United States) term "jam sessions". Two American definitions for "jam session" are
1. a meeting of a group of musicians, especially jazz musicians, to play for their own enjoyment.
and
2. an impromptu jazz performance or special performance by jazz musicians who do not regularly play together.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/jam-session
That said, because both of those definitions focus on the group aspect of those sessions (musicians playing together), I wonder if the Arabic word "jama'a" which I think may be a source for the Ghanaian term "jama" (gyama) [read more on this below], might also be a source for the American term "jam" and "jam sessions".
Rather than being like American jam sessions, it occurs to me that the Ghanaian college/university jamas are quite similar in purpose and in (some) activities to American pep rallies, at least to how those pep rallies used to be (pre-1990s? or earlier) before they became structured entertainment programs that feature dance performances, lightly competitive comedic games, and other content.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/10/the-changing-content-of-american-high.html for a pancocojams post on American pep rallies.
****
POSSIBLE ARABIC ORIGIN OF THE GHANAIAN USE OF THE WORD "JAMA" (GYAMA) Updated October 26, 2015
It's my theory that the Ghanaian use of the word "jama" may have come an extension of the Arabic word "jama'ah". Here are some definitions of that word:
From https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20101118123704AAzLhUD
"Ramadan, what do these words mean? Fajr Jamah, Iftar ....?
Jamaah- Arabic word meaning “in group” (rather than individually)
Jamaah- Arabic word meaning “in group” (rather than individually)"
**
From http://flagbearersofislam.blogspot.com/2011/04/what-is-meaning-of-jamaah-of-muslims.html
Friday, April 1, 2011 What is the meaning of "Jama’ah of Muslims" ?
"Jama’ah is a term used quite loosely these days to mean ‘majority’. When someone refers to the Jama’ah of Muslims they usually mean the majority of Muslims in a particular country or city. Its usage becomes frequent before the two Eids when Masjids and groups start blaming each other for creating division among Muslims and separating them from the Jama’ah because of celebrating Eids on different days. Without going into a Fiqhi discussion about when to celebrate Eid and whether to sight the moon globally, locally or use calculations, let us look at what Jama’ah actually means in Islam....
“’The one who sees in his Ameer something which displeases him, let him remain patient, for he who separates himself from the community (Jama’ah) by even so much as a hand span and dies (in this state), he will die the death of Jahiliyyah.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
In the above Hadith, distancing oneself from the Ameer (leader) of the Muslims is referred to as separating oneself from the Jama’ah."...
-snip-
My position is that the term "Jama'ah" meaning "community" or "majority" was extended to mean "that which foster community (group) morale and unity." As a reminder, Ghanaian jama songs can
be religious or secular.
Here's some information about Islam in Ghana, West Africa:
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam_in_Ghana
"Islam is one of the major religions practiced widely in Ghana. Its presence in modern-day Ghana dates back to the 10th century to coincide with the demise of the Ghana Empire. The population of Muslims in Ghana quoted from different sources stretch from 18 to 45 percent.
The majority of Muslims in Ghana are followers of Sunni Islam, with approximately 16% belonging to the Ahmadiyya movement and approximately 2% belonging to Shia Islam
...Despite tensions in the Middle East and North Africa since the mid-1970s, Muslims and Christians in Ghana have had excellent relations. Guided by the authority of the Muslim Representative Council, religious, social, and economic matters affecting Muslims have often been redressed through negotiations. The Muslim Council observes the responsibility of arranging pilgrimages to Mecca for believers who can afford the journey.[1] The National Chief Imam of Ghana is the highest authority on Muslim affairs in Ghana."
-snip-
I've no knowledge about whether music is a part of Islam in Ghana. However, I've read that vocal and instrumental music is frown upon by some Muslims worldwide. I'd love to have more information about this subject.
****
EXCERPT FROM A GHANAIAN ARTICLE THAT MENTIONS "GYAMA"
From https://www.modernghana.com/news/285425/1/reliving-interco-through-old-school-gyama-songs.html
21 July 2010 14:16 CET
"Reliving InterCo through Old School Gyama Songs"
By Esi Woarabae Cleland
"I know I'm always going on and on about how I didn't enjoy secondary school, and how I wish I'd gotten so much more out of the experience. But there is one aspect of life in secondary school that I can't get over. That I absolutely loved, and that I keep remembering.
InterCo.
Back in the day, I was an athlete. Not a fantastic athlete but an athlete nonetheless. Which means I got to go to all the InterCo, and Super-Zonals and Regionals...
Now a big part of InterCo is the gyama that goes with it. And I wasn't part of the gyama squad (yes, people, Gey Hey had a gyama squad), but I was always excited to join in the fun.
Even had favorites. So here are two of my favorites.
1.
What a mighty school gey hey
What a mighty school gey hey
Holy bow before us
Kwabotwe adore us
What a mighty school gey hey
2.
Augusco w'a we o
Augusco w'a we o
Kwabotwe w'edi first
Adisco w'edi second
Augusco w'awe o
Here's the translation for the non-twi speakers.
Augusco placed last
Augusco placed last
Kwabotwe placed first
Adisco placed second
Augusco placed last."...
-snip-
"Interco" probably means "Intercollegiate". The names given above are names of colleges, universities, or halls (divisions) of colleges/universities. [Additions and corrections welcome].
Notice that the songs include boasting and putdowns, two characteristics of a lot of African Diaspora music, including Hip Hop.
I found this entire article to be quite interesting from a folkloric standpoint. I recommend it to that those interested in the subject of Ghanaian culture.
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
This is Part I of a three part series on Ghanaian jama (gyama) and
Ghanaian jama sessions.
Part I includes my speculative definitions of the Ghanaian meanings of the word "jama" (gyama) with examples from YouTube discussion threads. Part I also features an excerpt from a Ghanaian article that mentions gyama. That article includes two text examples of jamas.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/10/video-examples-of-ghanaian-black-stars.html for Part II of this series. Part II features videos of the Ghanaian football (soccer) team, the Black Stars, singing jamas.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/10/examples-of-non-religious-jamas-from.html for Part III of this series. Part III of this series showcases videos of secular (non-religious) jama songs and jama sessions from Ghanaian secondary schools (high schools), colleges, and universities. Two videos of Jamas from Allan Family, a Ghanaian band, are also featured in that post.
The content of this post is provided for informational and cultural purposes.
Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.
****
MY SPECULATIVE DEFINITIONS FOR THE GHANAIAN TERM "JAMA" (GYAMA)
Disclaimer: I searched online, but couldn't find any definition for the Ghanaian use of the term "jama" (gyama), "jama sessions" (gyama sessions) or "jama songs" (gyama songs). The only article that I found which included any information about Ghanaian jamas is the one which is excerpted below.
These speculative definitions are my conclusions from reading that article, from watching all the videos on Ghanaian jamas that are currently published on YouTube, and from reading all the comments that are found in those videos' discussion thread. (Note: Some of those videos have no discussion thread, and the videos that do have a discussion thread only have a small number of comments.)
I don't speak or read any language other than English and I just learned about Ghanaian jama sessions, and jama songs yesterday. (Read my comment in the section below as to how I happened to look for videos of Ghanaians singing jamas).
Additions and corrections to these speculative definitions would be greatly appreciated. I'm particularly interested in knowing when (decades) the term "jama sessions" and/or "jama songs" was first used in Ghana and whether these terms are also used elsewhere in Africa.
Speculative Definitions For Jama:
In Ghana (and perhaps elsewhere in West Africa and/or Africa), the word "jama" ("gyama") appears to be a noun, and maybe also as an adjective or a verb.
Jama, noun
1. group morale, team spirit
Example: marisol ex, 2014
i love dis show it shows that in ghana we have more jama
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRlx3sQg2uI GH Loudest "Won Shi Jama" Edition 3
**
Jama, a double noun (or an adjective?)
2. a place or an occasion where jama songs and other jama activity occurs; "a jama session"*, a "jama competition", a "jama celebration"
Example (Summary for the video whose link is given above) GH Loudest, a jama competition codenamed "won shi Jama" featuring 20 supporter groups in Ghana
-snip-
Note: Jama activity may be quite boisterous, and includes usually
uptempo [?], singing (or chanting ?) that can be accompanied by drums and other percussive instruments (beaded gourd instrument, iron bell), and/or horns, hand clapping, dancing (for example: jumping up and down, Azonto, Kpanlogo), males waving shirts or flags, etc.
**
Jama, a double noun (or adjective + a noun?)
descriptive of the type of music or songs
Example: (summary statement of https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrxeYKJ1xqo "Jama - Allan Family ")
Jama music from Accra Ghana.Ghana music,west african music.
-snip-
Note that jama songs can be either secular or religious, depending
on the occasion, and place that they are performed. According to some comments in the discussion threads on university jamas, some secular jama songs are quite raunchy (dirty).
**
Jama, a double noun (or adjective + a noun?)
Example: Sophia..We dont have titles for these songs..They are random songs we use in our jaama celebrations. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSCH2L_pNXk
Jama (gyama) songs - songs that help bolster group morale and foster group unity.
**
"Jama" as a verb:
More VIM!!! Jama your way to the Finals! Go Go Go GHANA!!!
-BlazerMax, 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvtSLINwBxs
Ghana players singing the night before AFCON opener
*Editorial comment:
It's important to also note that the Ghanaian term "jama sessions" doesn't have the same meaning as the American (United States) term "jam sessions". Two American definitions for "jam session" are
1. a meeting of a group of musicians, especially jazz musicians, to play for their own enjoyment.
and
2. an impromptu jazz performance or special performance by jazz musicians who do not regularly play together.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/jam-session
That said, because both of those definitions focus on the group aspect of those sessions (musicians playing together), I wonder if the Arabic word "jama'a" which I think may be a source for the Ghanaian term "jama" (gyama) [read more on this below], might also be a source for the American term "jam" and "jam sessions".
Rather than being like American jam sessions, it occurs to me that the Ghanaian college/university jamas are quite similar in purpose and in (some) activities to American pep rallies, at least to how those pep rallies used to be (pre-1990s? or earlier) before they became structured entertainment programs that feature dance performances, lightly competitive comedic games, and other content.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/10/the-changing-content-of-american-high.html for a pancocojams post on American pep rallies.
****
POSSIBLE ARABIC ORIGIN OF THE GHANAIAN USE OF THE WORD "JAMA" (GYAMA) Updated October 26, 2015
It's my theory that the Ghanaian use of the word "jama" may have come an extension of the Arabic word "jama'ah". Here are some definitions of that word:
From https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20101118123704AAzLhUD
"Ramadan, what do these words mean? Fajr Jamah, Iftar ....?
Jamaah- Arabic word meaning “in group” (rather than individually)
Jamaah- Arabic word meaning “in group” (rather than individually)"
**
From http://flagbearersofislam.blogspot.com/2011/04/what-is-meaning-of-jamaah-of-muslims.html
Friday, April 1, 2011 What is the meaning of "Jama’ah of Muslims" ?
"Jama’ah is a term used quite loosely these days to mean ‘majority’. When someone refers to the Jama’ah of Muslims they usually mean the majority of Muslims in a particular country or city. Its usage becomes frequent before the two Eids when Masjids and groups start blaming each other for creating division among Muslims and separating them from the Jama’ah because of celebrating Eids on different days. Without going into a Fiqhi discussion about when to celebrate Eid and whether to sight the moon globally, locally or use calculations, let us look at what Jama’ah actually means in Islam....
“’The one who sees in his Ameer something which displeases him, let him remain patient, for he who separates himself from the community (Jama’ah) by even so much as a hand span and dies (in this state), he will die the death of Jahiliyyah.” [Bukhari and Muslim]
In the above Hadith, distancing oneself from the Ameer (leader) of the Muslims is referred to as separating oneself from the Jama’ah."...
-snip-
My position is that the term "Jama'ah" meaning "community" or "majority" was extended to mean "that which foster community (group) morale and unity." As a reminder, Ghanaian jama songs can
be religious or secular.
Here's some information about Islam in Ghana, West Africa:
From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam_in_Ghana
"Islam is one of the major religions practiced widely in Ghana. Its presence in modern-day Ghana dates back to the 10th century to coincide with the demise of the Ghana Empire. The population of Muslims in Ghana quoted from different sources stretch from 18 to 45 percent.
The majority of Muslims in Ghana are followers of Sunni Islam, with approximately 16% belonging to the Ahmadiyya movement and approximately 2% belonging to Shia Islam
...Despite tensions in the Middle East and North Africa since the mid-1970s, Muslims and Christians in Ghana have had excellent relations. Guided by the authority of the Muslim Representative Council, religious, social, and economic matters affecting Muslims have often been redressed through negotiations. The Muslim Council observes the responsibility of arranging pilgrimages to Mecca for believers who can afford the journey.[1] The National Chief Imam of Ghana is the highest authority on Muslim affairs in Ghana."
-snip-
I've no knowledge about whether music is a part of Islam in Ghana. However, I've read that vocal and instrumental music is frown upon by some Muslims worldwide. I'd love to have more information about this subject.
****
EXCERPT FROM A GHANAIAN ARTICLE THAT MENTIONS "GYAMA"
From https://www.modernghana.com/news/285425/1/reliving-interco-through-old-school-gyama-songs.html
21 July 2010 14:16 CET
"Reliving InterCo through Old School Gyama Songs"
By Esi Woarabae Cleland
"I know I'm always going on and on about how I didn't enjoy secondary school, and how I wish I'd gotten so much more out of the experience. But there is one aspect of life in secondary school that I can't get over. That I absolutely loved, and that I keep remembering.
InterCo.
Back in the day, I was an athlete. Not a fantastic athlete but an athlete nonetheless. Which means I got to go to all the InterCo, and Super-Zonals and Regionals...
Now a big part of InterCo is the gyama that goes with it. And I wasn't part of the gyama squad (yes, people, Gey Hey had a gyama squad), but I was always excited to join in the fun.
Even had favorites. So here are two of my favorites.
1.
What a mighty school gey hey
What a mighty school gey hey
Holy bow before us
Kwabotwe adore us
What a mighty school gey hey
2.
Augusco w'a we o
Augusco w'a we o
Kwabotwe w'edi first
Adisco w'edi second
Augusco w'awe o
Here's the translation for the non-twi speakers.
Augusco placed last
Augusco placed last
Kwabotwe placed first
Adisco placed second
Augusco placed last."...
-snip-
"Interco" probably means "Intercollegiate". The names given above are names of colleges, universities, or halls (divisions) of colleges/universities. [Additions and corrections welcome].
Notice that the songs include boasting and putdowns, two characteristics of a lot of African Diaspora music, including Hip Hop.
I found this entire article to be quite interesting from a folkloric standpoint. I recommend it to that those interested in the subject of Ghanaian culture.
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
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