Auļi and Abiana Unveil "Voices of Ghana": A Resonance of Ancestral Echoes

The renowned Latvian bagpipe and drum ensemble Auļi has launched a significant new chapter in their ongoing international venture, "Voices of the Ancestors." On May 26, 2025, the group released their latest EP titled "Voices of Ghana," marking their inaugural collaboration with an African artist. This project features the evocative vocal talents of Ghanaian singer Abiana, creating a unique sonic tapestry that bridges two distinct cultural heritages.

This new extended play serves as a continuation of a creative journey that Auļi embarked upon in 2019. The "Voices of the Ancestors" series is dedicated to fostering a profound dialogue between ancestral lineages, where the traditional sounds of Latvia are interwoven with the vocal artistry of diverse cultures from across the globe.

Far from being a mere experiment in "exotic" fusion, "Voices of Ghana" represents a genuine convergence of rhythm and vocal power. In this recording, neither party compromises their identity for the sake of the other. The bagpipes and drums of Auļi maintain their characteristic strength and mystical quality, while Abiana’s voice does not simply sit atop the music; it grows into the rhythmic landscape, channeling African melodic memory through a Baltic structural framework.

Since their formation in Riga in 2003, Auļi has been celebrated for their innovative approach to heritage. They have successfully revitalized the nearly forgotten traditions of Latvian bagpipe and drum performance, moving beyond museum-style preservation to embrace contemporary musical exploration. In this latest project, their signature high-energy performance meets the deep, ritualistic, and physical vocal culture of Ghana.

Elda Naa Abiana Dickson, professionally known as Abiana, brings a sophisticated blend of soul, highlife, and neo-soul to the collaboration. Within the tracks of "Voices of Ghana," she reinterprets traditional Ghanaian folk songs. Rather than translating the lyrics into a different tongue, she focuses on conveying their deep emotional essence through her unique timbre, breath control, and melodic phrasing.

Abiana is a highly respected figure in the music industry, having earned the "Best Female Vocal Performance" award at the 2021 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards for her 2020 single "Adun lei." For this specific project with Auļi, the objective was not for her to master the Latvian language, but rather to enrich the compositions with her vocalizations and soulful presence, ensuring the authenticity of both traditions remained intact.

The seeds of this collaboration were sown by Kaspars Bārbals, a producer and one of the founding members of Auļi. The concept took shape following his meeting with Michael Bamfo, the head of the Ghanaian distribution firm Apprise Music, during the WOMEX world music forum held in Manchester in 2024. This encounter laid the groundwork for a partnership that transcends geographical boundaries.

The resulting work is being distributed across the African continent by Apprise Music, while Catapult Distribution handles the international release. This strategic partnership ensures that the EP serves as a functional cultural and musical bridge, connecting listeners in different regions through a shared appreciation for ancestral sounds.

Beyond the music itself, the project incorporates a vital educational component. Abiana provides insights into the singing traditions of Ghana, explaining the pivotal role that the human voice plays in the transmission of history and collective memory. This approach transforms the release into a space for learning and active listening, where the music effectively explains its own origins and significance.

The "Voices of the Ancestors" series has been unfolding since 2019 with a consistent vision: Auļi collaborates with international vocalists to record three Latvian folk songs, allowing the guest artist's cultural perspective to illuminate the traditional material in new ways. Prior to this Ghanaian collaboration, the project featured artists from Mongolia, Austria, and Norway. Looking ahead, the group plans to release an EP featuring a singer from the southern islands of Japan as part of their third international cycle.

The true paradox of "Voices of Ghana" lies in the meeting of two ancient wells of memory—the Baltic bagpipe and the African voice. Rather than clashing, these two elements seem to recognize one another. The release does not attempt to manufacture a new genre; instead, it achieves something far more subtle by reclaiming the idea that music is a language of origin rather than just a style.

This release adds a layer of precise connectivity to the world. It suggests that when cultures refuse to dissolve into a universal background and instead meet as equals, each becomes more audible. It is in this specific resonance that the living music of the planet is found.

Ultimately, "Voices of Ghana" stands as a testament to the power of cultural exchange. By honoring the past while looking toward the future, Auļi and Abiana have created a work that resonates with authenticity and emotional depth, proving that ancient voices still have much to say to one another in the modern age.