The Sound of Palm Wine Guitar

"The Sound of Palm Wine Guitar" brings together a laid-back yet rhythmically rich collection of West African tracks rooted in the palm-wine music tradition. Named after gatherings where friends would drink palm wine and play guitar, this playlist features a range of artists and bands from Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Nigeria who shaped the genre from the early 20th century to more modern interpretations. Acoustic guitars take center stage, supported by mellow percussion, jazzy horns, and vocals that tell everyday stories with warmth and ease.

From the lilting grooves of S.E. Rogie’s “Koneh Pelawoe” and Koo Nimo’s collaborations with Kyekyeku to classic highlife tunes by Bobby Benson and Roy Chicago, this mix showcases the evolution of palm-wine guitar and its influence on highlife, Afro-jazz, and even calypso. Tracks like “Yaa Amponsah” by the Kumasi Trio and “In the Car” by Kwabena Nyama highlight traditional roots, while artists like Abdul Tee-Jay and Kari Bannerman bring a more contemporary feel. It’s a relaxed listen with a strong sense of place and history.