The Documentary Podcast - Flamboyant funerals

Download Flamboyant funerals

Ghana has a reputation for staging some of the most eccentric funerals in the world – boasting extraordinary displays of colour, dancing, deep rooted history, and a strong association with Ghanaian royalty. Hannah Ajala takes the listener on a compelling aural journey as she uncovers the stories behind this unique and complex tradition.

In West Africa, end of life celebrations are a far cry from those in the Western world. Each funeral can take weeks or months to plan and they are often more lavish – and expensive - than weddings. Funerals are an essential part of paying respect to the departed.

Hannah travels to the cultural capital of the country, Kumasi, to witness a Ghanaian funeral first hand. She delves into the significance of these ancient traditions: the dancing, the dress code, the burial and final funeral rites as well as the role played by the ‘talking drums’.

Published on Thursday, 30th January 2025.

Available Podcasts from The Documentary Podcast

Subscribe to The Documentary Podcast

We are not the BBC, we only list available podcasts. To find out more about the programme including episodes available on BBC iPlayer, go to the The Documentary Podcast webpage.