THE MOST POWERFUL TRADITIONAL DANCES IN GHANA

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TRADITIONAL DANCES IN GHANA

In Ghana, there are various ethnic groups.  And every ethnic group has a unique traditional  dance which mainly distinguishes them from one another.  Below are the most powerful traditional dances in Ghana.

                                                                                       .

  • The  Agbadza   dance
  • The  Adowa      dance
  • The  Borborbor dance
  • The  Bamaya     dance   
  • The  Kple           dance  
  • The Apatampa   dance

Traditional Dance is one of the inherent components of every  African society. There are many interesting and  unique African cultures. And here are the list of traditional dances in Ghana.  In this blog,  I will be explaining to  you the most powerful traditional dances in Ghana.

Therefore, traditional Dance enriches all of our social, cultural and ceremonial activities ,it constitutes uncompromising part of all the vital aspect of our lifestyles.

1. The Agbadza Dance:

This unique traditional dance in Ghana is attributed to the Ewe tribe of the Volta Region in Ghana. According to History, the  Agbadza dance was narrated to have originated from an ancient war called Atrikpui, and it is usually performed during special occasions such traditional festival e.g Hogbestsotso festival, funerals, and at times some social gatherings, such as marriage ceremony.

Basically, there are four motions involved in the Agbadza dance: the Banyinyi, The vutsotsor,the Banyinyi   The Adzo, and The Hatsatsa.

The vutsotsor for instance  is performed by men and women with instruments like  drums, rattles, and a gong-gong accompaniment.

This dance in Ghana is attributed to the Ewe tribe of the Volta Region. The Agbadza was narrated to have originated from an ancient war called Atrikpui, and it is usually performed during the Hogbestsotso festival.

List of traditional dances in Ghana

            AGBADZA DANCERS             

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1. Banyinyi which is a short introductory  prayer to the gods and ancestors,

 2. Vutsortsor which is the main dance, 

3. Adzo- which is less energetic and only the master is made to drum along with Gankogui and Axatse,

 4. Hatsatsa- historical songs are performed along with Gankogui and Atoke,

 5. Vutsortsor -Finally, another round of the main dance which usually lasts for a number of hours.


2. The Adowa Dance

ADOWA DANNCERS

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The Akans in Ghana perform the Adowa Dance. They form part of the southern  part of the Republic of Ghana and their local Dialect is Twi. According to history, the adowa dance was named after "Abrewa Tutuwa.".According to history, "Abrewa Tutuwa" fell sick and a live antelope was demanded when an oracle was consulted. 
 The Safo(traditional warriors) was sent to obtain the live antelope. When they returned home with the antelope, they were surprised to see them bouncing and making strong movements. When the queen was retrieved, the people began the adowa dance by joy imitating the antelope's dance.

 

  1. The Bamaya.



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The history behind Bamaya traditional dance in Ghana is that it was first performed in the early 19th Century to mark an end to a serious drought that befell most parts of the Dagbon states in the Northern Region of the Republic of Ghana.

Also, this dance is also known as a “rain dance.” At first, only women performed the Bamaya, but recently men are no longer found wanting in the dance. Once dressed like women, they dance it perfectly.

The Bamaya crew `comprises a lead dancer, other dancers, and drummers who sometimes serve as chorus singers and sing along with the dancers

Then, the dancers always embellish their waists and chins with beads and cymbal bells, making sounds as they shake and pound their feet.


  1. The Kple dance


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This dance is typically performed during the Homowo celebration in late August and early September. The priestesses perform this ritual dance in shrines throughout Greater Accra.

The Dance is believed to assist the people to communicate with the gods and bring favours to them.

  1. The Apatampa dance


                                                    I do not own a copyright to this video

This dance is performed by the Fanti people of Ghana. The theme of the Dance was narrated to have originated from an ancient occurrence in Ghana in which a giant attacked and killed the Fante men late at night.

As described, the giant fought the last man one night, a woman then interrupted and danced skillfully to divert everyone’s attention away from the fight.  She received an accolade for breaking up the fight (apata ampa in Fante).

  1. The Borborbor dance


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This Dance is peculiarly performed by people from the Central and northern parts of the Volta Region of Ghana. It is performed to entertain the guests during the festival of the chiefs and the communities.

The dance represents a social dance that allows for individual expression and it is prevalent in the High life Ghanaian music genre.

Benefits of traditional dances in Ghana to society

Have you ever wondered how dance can be beneficial to a whole community in Ghana?

Although, we already know the basic benefit of traditional dance to social life in Ghana. However, it’s good to deeply describe how it helps society at large.

Traditional dance in Ghana is an amazing art form that enhances and promotes creativity, critical thinking, and a healthy mind and bodies that keep our body healthy always.

Additionally, traditional dances in Ghana help in uniting all ethnic groups in Ghana.

Although dance types may vary across the country, dance as a whole is universal because most human movement is universal. When people from different ethnic groups meet, they will be able to understand each other through metaphoric and non-verbal communication through the dance.

Ultimately, dance triggers inspiration; Since dance is a form of art, and just like all forms of art, conveys a message.  Many of the messages that the dances express inspire.

More importantly, there are widely known and evident health benefits of traditional dances in Ghana.  It is a recommended and great form of exercise which gets your body parts moving a lot but is also very fun.


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