BERNARD WOMA

Bernard Woma is from the Gbanne Clan of the Dagara nation. He was born in the village of Hiineteng, located in Northwestern Ghana. His father noticed that, as a newborn, Bernard's hands were clenched in fists. A village elder informed him that Bernard's hands indicated that he was destined to become a gyil player. Bernard began playing the gyil when he was two years old.

Bernard soon became known for his musical abilities and was asked to play at functions throughout the Upper West Region of Ghana. In 1982, when Bernard had almost finished his schooling, he moved to the capital city of Accra to earn money. Occasionally, when he was given free time on Sunday evenings, he played the gyil for traditional dancing in Mamobi, a section of Accra where many Dagara people live and gather.

He came to the attention of Professor Apoku and Frances Nii-Yartey directors of the Ghana Dance Ensemble. Bernard was offered the position of solo xylophonist, he has been a member of the ensemble since 1989. In 1990, he was honoured with the "Musician of the Year" award. Through his work with the Ghana Dance Ensemble, he has traveled widely and developed proficiency with other traditional Ghanaian instruments. In 1992 was appointed the master drummer of the company, a post that he held until recently. In that capacity he has been the ceremonial Atumpan Drummer for official Ghanaian State functions, recently honored to perform for Bill Clinton and Jerry Rawlings, when the US President visited Accra.

In January 1999, Bernard was invited to lecture at the State University of New York at Fredonia. Recently he guest lectured at Williams College in Massachusetts. He has performed and given workshops in Colleges, Universities and community centers throughout the United States.