THE INFLUENCE OF KWAME NKRUMAH’S PAN-AFRICANISM ON GHANA’S LIVE SOUND REINFORCEMENT SCENE (1950s – 1970s): RALF QUIST IN PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

In recent times, there has been an interest in sound studies and how sound affects individuals and performers. This interest has led to researchers working on different aspects of sound studies. One of such interests of sound studies has to do with theories and philosophies. This article looks at how one theory, Pan Africanism as propagated by Kwame Nkrumah, the first president of Ghana, and its interpretation helped shape the live sound industry in Ghana under the year under review. This article further looks into the rise of Raff Quist amps and its decline. Finally, it suggests how Pan Africanism can help develop the live sound industry especially in Ghana.

Keywords: Pan Africanism, Live sound reinforcement, Kwame Nkrumah, Live performance.

DOI: 10.7176/RHSS/15-9-05

Publication date: October 30th 2025