The vibrant Ghanaian troupe, Alogte Oho and His Sounds of Joy, pay homage to their local market in Bolgatanga, where their 2014 hit “Mam Yinne Wa” echoed through the air. Producer Max Weissenfeldt, a connoisseur of vintage Ghanaian highlife music, had developed a deep affection for the genre and embarked on multiple journeys to the music hotspots of Accra and Kumasi. Intrigued by Ghana’s northern savannah lands, home to the Frafra people, he set out to explore the region. It was there that he discovered the creator of the captivating song, gospel singer Alogte Oho, and their collaboration began. In 2019, they released an album, featuring a remake of the mesmerizing track titled “Ma Yinne Wa” (“God, You Love Me So”).
O Yinne!, stays true to Frafra gospel music, much different from Western Gospel tunes by Kirk Franklyn, but with Aro music making its mark globally I wouldn’t be surprise to see a Kirk collab soon. The title track sets the tone by delivering a vibrant West African Afrobeat experience, propelled by rolling rhythms and punctuated by powerful brass blasts. The album showcases the choir’s unique vocals on tracks like “A Lemine Me” and “Doose Mam,” with traditional call-and-responses find reggae-infused rhythms and keyboard melodies. The spirited guitar work in “Te Bola Be?” harks back to the golden era of 1950s Ghanaian highlife music, adding a nostalgic touch. Overall, the album serves as a fantastic advertisement for the electrifying energy that emanates from Alogte Oho and His Sounds of Joy’s live performances.
Alogte Oho and His Sounds of Joy have once again delivered an exhilarating showcase the of Frafra gospel music the second time around with O Yinne!. With its pulsating rhythms, infectious melodies, and dynamic vocal performances, the album transports listeners to the heart of Ghana’s northern savannah lands. It’s a testament to the creative prowess and the captivating live presence of this talented group.
