Resources

The foundation wishes to curate and create a central repository so that finding information on J. H. Nketia, the ideas that shape his worldview, the research and publications that reveal his intensely practical understanding of African music and history, can be easily located. Either for pure academic research purposes or leisurely reading, you will be drawn into the richness of his vast mind and the dedication with which J. H. Nketia investigates the ideas that interest him.

His concept and interpretation of time and rhythmic patterns in Ghanaian and other African folk music were revolutionary, and became standard for researchers and scholars around the world. He also wrote extensively for Western orchestral instruments, like the flute, violin, cello, percussion and piano. But it is through Nketia’s pace-setting works for traditional African instruments that his genius is acclaimed.