The Use of Indigenous Musical Genre in Christian Worship: A Case of Ebibindwom (Akan Sacred Lyrics) in the Methodist Church - Ghana

Abstract

The expression Ebibindwom (Akan Scared Lyrics) are traditional songs used in Christian worship specifically in the Methodist Church-Ghana. The paper unravels the circumstances that led to the institution of this traditional musical genre in the Methodist Church. It also attempts to provide an understanding and direction as to how Ebibindwom, a traditional musical genre, has been performed in and outside the church settings. The paper further provides the distinctive stylistic and expressive idioms that have impacted on the general liturgical and musical outlook of Methodism in Ghana, to serve as an aid to the younger generation who look down upon traditional musical genres, to participate in, and sustain the singing of Ebibindwom.