Best Ghanaian records

We're going to leave you with some of our favourite Ghanaian discs. Whether you're exploring Accra, planning a visit or pining for the homeland, turn these up loud and enjoy Ghana's best export: its music 

Various Artists
Ghana Special

Described on the sleeve as ‘Modern Highlife, Afro-Sounds & Ghanaian Blues 1968-1981’, this life-affirmingly fantastic compilation will provide the perfect introduction to golden-age West African music for anyone new to the scene. Ebo Taylor, the Mercury Dance Band and the African Brothers International Band all feature.   

Obisiba
Welcome Home

Released on Island Records in 1975, this is the sixth studio album from Afro-pop legends Osibisa. The band was formed in London by a group that included several Ghanaian expats. The album kicks off with the goodtime groove of Sunshine Day, before shifting into the laid-back warmth of the title track.  

Shatta Wale
After The Storm

The self-proclaimed African Dancehall King has a cool 1.7 million Twitter followers and a rumbling vocal style that elevates him several strata above run-of-the-mill musicians. This, his 2016 debut, contains a series of quickfire tracks – and if you’re fond of vocoder effects, it’s your lucky day.

Efya
Janesis

Jane Awindor – stage name Efya – is one of the biggest names in Ghanaian entertainment, and her debut album Janesis will appeal to anyone who likes their love songs soulful and their pop music pounding. Lead single Forgetting Me is a classic ballad, while stars such as Sarkodie and Bisa Kdei appear elsewhere.

Wanlov the Kubulor
Brown Card: African Gypsy

Ever wondered what a mash-up of West African music and Eastern European gypsy jazz might sound like? Wonder no more. This riotously enjoyable project is the work of Ghanaian-Romanian musician Wanlov the Kubulor, a man unafraid to shred the normal musical template and concoct his own high-energy tunes.

Ebo Taylor
Palaver

This recently released album was recorded back in 1980, by one of the absolute titans of the highlife genre. Now in his 80s, Ebo Taylor has always has its own distinctive sound, and this long-lost album, the master tapes of which sat gathering dust for four decades, is a case in point.  

Sarkodie
Highest

Ghanaian music stars don’t come more high-profile than rapper Sarkodie, whose mantelpiece must be groaning from the dozens of awards he’s picked up over the past decade. This is his fourth studio album and a memorable piece of work: expect slick beats, fast rhymes and various guest appearances.

Stonebwoy
Epistles of Mama

Dancehall artist Livingstone Etse Satekla, better known as Stonebwoy, is one of the best known musicians in the country, and has a significant international following too. This 2017  album was dedicated to his late mother and features stand-out tracks such as Mane Me and album opener Bawasaaba.

Ohemaa Mercy
Edin Jesus

Gospel music still occupies a meaningful role in Ghanaian culture, and this 2007 album from Ohemaa Mercy won no less than ten nominations at the following year’s Ghana Music Awards – winning three of them. Her vocals are strong and the overall mood, as you might expect, is uplifting.