The Wound and the Voice: Verbal Articulations of Enslavement among the Bulsa and Kasena of Ghana

Abstract

This paper draws on theories of trauma as a basis for critical reflection on how songs among the Bulsa and Kasena of northern Ghana can enhance our collective understanding of the slave experience within Africa and specifically Ghana. Although literature on memories of slavery within the African collective imagination is rich and varied, these studies have often been silent on how those who lost kith and kin during slave raids within Africa, where the bulk of slaves were mostly captured, have often tried to cope, represent and reconstruct the memories of their traumatic past. Drawing on fieldwork through recording of traditional performances and songs from these cultural areas, the paper emphasises the significance of understanding the historical, cultural and literary contexts that continue to influence and shape the production and performance of these songs even in contemporary times. The paper has implications not only for those seeking an understanding of how slavery has shaped African societies but also how local communities continue to endure its legacies.