PAAPA J, on Lead Vocals, Talking Drums, Bongos, Timbales & Multi-percussions is an ex-drummer / songwriter of HIGH - TENSION, the pioneers of British Funk music, baits from Ghana, West Africa. His involvement with this British band produced an album and two hit singles to their credit - Paapa's talent as a versatile multi percussionist was highly recognised by well known producers like Biddu, Alex Sadkin and Godwin Lugar. He has also been involved in many co-production projects, studio and live session works, one of which was the production of a music film sound track for the movie ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS, directed by Julian Temple. PAAPA J, a house-hold name on especially the London African music circuit, has prominently worked with various top artistes across the board such as RONNIE LAWS (American jazz-Funk saxophone legend), OSIBISA (Afro jazz- rock band), CASPER LAWAL. C.K. MANN. A.B. CRENTSTL, (all top African artistes), ADU (a British rock band) PEARLY GATES (a soul singer), and TREVOR WATTS' MOIRE MUSIC DRUM ORCHESTRA (an African jazz fusion outfit) as a kit-drummer, singer and percussionist, on a series of world tours and studio recording projects- Realising his potential as a singer / song-wilier and performer PAAPA embarked on a solo career, and through a number of explosive live performances, clinched his first TV debut on BBC 2's national music programme The Tube with his band - Night Shift and a follow-tip on Channel 4's CLUB MIX as PAAPA J's NEW BAG In 1992 he independently released his first solo single record SET YOU UP, a cIub soul dance groove track, followed by TRY IT.
In 1994, PAAPA J realised the need for a change in musical direction through a number of solo song-writing and studio recordings; blending his African roots with his Western influences. MENSA was born.
An electrifying singer and performer, explosive and energetic multi-percussionist, PAAPA J is one of the most talented, creative and innovative musicians to emerge from Africa.

MENSA CULTURAL WORKSHOP
MENSA is the traditional, deep-rooted, usual Ghanaian name for every third-born male child that normally follows consecutively after two previous sons, the female being MANSA

This traditional naming heritage, which involves special ceremonial activities among the AKAN tribe of Ghana - West Africa, is usually crowned in significance with a lot of cultural drumming and dancing preformed in colourful, outstanding costumes worn by both drummers and dancers. The music provided usually consist of songs and chants of ancestral folk stories. This follows, for the named child, the pouring of libation of goodwill, prosperity and protection from all evil.

Here the usage of the Talking Drums (DONDO) becomes prominent as it interprets in rhythm, the ceremonial speech given by eldest family and head of the clan.
This interpretation from the drum gradually leads to the call of the Cowbell (DEWUR) - the time - keeping instrument, followed by the Cabasa (SHEKERE) responsible for creating the finer edge to the rhythm patterns that follow from the rest of the traditional cultural drums.

The accoustic guitar (NHOMA NSIA) gradually falls into a corresponding rhythm pattern that sweetly weaves through the percussion, while the Bass Guitar contributes to the depth in sound, to hold the various rhythm patterns together into one body. We therefore bring people's awareness to the important roles that these cultural instruments play in the traditional and cultural music of Ghana by demonstrating and teaching others their uses in incorporating other various music cultures. MENSA also includes traditional and contemporary dancers, where necessary, in our cultural music workshops, adding to the fullness of the visual and practical interpretation.

MENSA MUSIC WORKSHOP PROCEDURE
Our workshop and training is based on the usage of Western and African various authentic instruments, their rhythm patterns and how they can be fused into various music styles of today.

INTRODUCTION.
(A). Self introduction of individual members of La-MENSA-Vie group by names and back-ground and their instruments and function.

WORKSHOP MODE.
(B). Musicians will describe their various instruments, origination and how they are, in most cases, made.
(C). Musicians will demonstrate individually, how the instrument is played. using their musical influences in at least two different styles of music approach. The importance of this is to encourage versatility in the usage of the instrument to the trainees I students.
(D). At this stage, the whole band will team up together to perform demonstration to the audience I trainees I students I pupils, an example of how such various instruments can be fused together into making a particular style of musk body and song.
(E). Participating group (students) will be divided into groups according to every one's individual interest in instruments. We (musicians) will then work with each chosen group on step by step bases, teaching in rhythm patterns, concentrating on two deferent time signatures and styles of music. (F). After completion of stage E., the divided groups will then come together, with the help of their teachers to compose a music body through the rhythm patterns taught in the chosen time signature.
(G). The teachers (musicians) will now allow student group to demonstrate their progress in the music workshop and training lesson of the day, by performing on their own, as a band.

Workshop ends with La -MENSA-Vie performing a song.

For more information on school visits contact:

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