The Innovative Use of the Nwaba (Snail Shells) In Making Music by the Axim Nwaba Instrumental Ensemble in Ghana

Nwaba (Snail Shell) instrumental groups are contemporary traditional Ghanaian ensembles. The research is a case study of the Axim Nwaba Instrumental ensemble which performs traditional Ghanaian tunes, local Ghanaian popular and religious tunes, patriotic songs, hymns and popular Western tunes. The purpose of the study is to explore the innovative ways the ensemble uses Nwaba (Snail Shells) in making music. The innovative use of the Nwaba (Snail Shell) in making music started in 1972 when a chief fisherman introduced the sea shell as a musical instrument in Axim. Using techniques from the seashell and pawpaw stalk flutes, the Axim Nwaba group formed an instrumental band with drums similar to the structure of Brass Bands and fancy dress groups. It developed its own identity through the innovative transformation of the snail shell into a musical instrument. The band served the Axim community in a number of ways until it collapsed in 1993 but was revived as a result of this research.