Kaakamotobi: Ghana’s Carnival Lineage - Two generations, two takes on one tradition. On Genesis w/ Elinam Yaa, we dig into the roots, rituals and reinvention of Ghana’s Christmas masquerade carnival. This episode takes listeners on a layered journey across generations and geographies, from the reinterpretations of youth-led crews in Tema, where fashion, self-expression and community pride take center stage to Takoradi where elders preserve the masked traditions of masquerading.

Through field interviews, soundscapes and first-hand testimonies, we ask: Where did this tradition really begin? What does it mean to be a masquerader today?

We speak with:

Veteran elders from one of Takoradi’s oldest masquerade clubs ANKOS, who emphasise discipline, masked disguise and dance as pillars of the practice. For them, a masquerader is anonymous, moving from sun to moonlight without ever revealing their face.

Youth collectives from Tema, including designers and dancers who speak about the festival as a stage of transformation, a "prom for the streets" where costumes and charisma win admiration and tradition is proudly altered not rigidly followed.

With interviews conducted in both English and Fanti, at the heart of the show is slight tension between preservation and reinvention but what is clear is the understanding that this celebration is ultimately about unity. We also leave space for the unanswered, this festival is a living archive and the intention is to explore its origins further.

Featuring voices from:

• Elder Mr. John Kweku Eduaful [AKA] Opanyin Sekum (ANKOS Masquerade Club)

• Alfred & Michael from (DMS - Diasporas Masquerade Society)

Tracklist:

• Bukom Mashie - Oscar Suley & The Uhuru Dance Band

• Ma Drip - Sean Lifer ft feat. O'Kenneth, Reggie, Jay Bahd, Kwaku DMC, Kawabanga & City Boy

• Yaanom - Obrafour

• Confusion - M.anifest

• War dance - Kokoroko , Hagen Remix

• Bassa bassa - Jembaa Groove

• Simigwa soca - Gyedu-Blay Ambolley

• Rekpete - Hedzoleh Soundz

• Theghanaproject - Asafo Rhythm

• Borborbor - Kopeyia school brass band