Gently. Gently.
Slowly the tiger walks; it does not make haste.
The tiger knows its own strength and it’s not afraid.
Gently the tiger takes its time to walk.
An animal with a tail does not jump over fire flames.
We are in God's hands.
He knows our future.
We are in God's hands.
He knows our future.
Be vigilant, pray!
No matter how long you live, you will die one day.
Slowly we will get home.
Gently; you’ll arrive safely home
Gently; you’ll arrive safely home.
Gently.
Those are the words of an ancient Ewe dirge sung or played in honor of the dead, and to wish them a safe journey home to the land of their ancestors.
I played this dirge on the atentenben (bamboo flute) during ceremonies by our WTIG cohort of 2023 in honor of the dead in a cell for condemned African captives who fought to escape an uncertain and horrifying future. I played it for the souls of three enslaved Africans who were returned and reburied at the ancestral graveyard at Assin-Manso, Ghana. They are Samuel Carson , Crystal of Jamaica and the third is unknown.
I also played Blewu and damirifa due at wreath-laying ceremonies at the gravesites of Shirley and WEB Dubois in Accra.
Each time, I felt a sense of connection with the bereaved in expressing our loss.
Reflect on the lyrics of the song. If possible, find the song made popular by Bella Bellow, and recorded a few years ago by Angelique Kidjo, and play it.
Allow yourself to be free and feel the healing that comes from opening yourself up to a spiritual connection.
The atentenben, without words, captures the emotions behind the dirge and gently takes you away.
Music on the Atenteben has played a minor role in WTIG 2023 cohort 1.
The music on the atenteben has a transcendent property that can connect you to something greater than yourself and has been proven to positively affect spirituality and quality of life.
This instrument originated from Tweneduruase in the Kwahu Plateau of south-central Ghana and was first popularized by a Ghanaian musicologist named Ephraim Amu.
Atenteben comprises two Akan names, "atente" and "ben". Atente is an Akan traditional hand drum with two heads covering both ends. The atente drums were the principal instruments that accompanied this flute. The word “ben” means “horn or flute,” hence the name atenteben.
If you would, please close your eyes. Fill your mind with gratitude and listen to the Atentenben as I play Blewu to honor those who have blessed us with their sacrifices.
By Danial Ntim Agyei, Mathematics and Creative Arts Teacher, Kpohe D/A Basic School, Ningo-Prampram District, Ghana