Agbadza is an ancient dance with a rich history that originated from the Ewes in southern Ghana, Togo, Benin, and southwestern Nigeria.
It was born out of the traditional war dance Atrikpui, according to a video shared by ‘Ewevibe101’ on Tiktok.
It is believed that Agbadza evolved into a recreational dance during the peaceful era of the 1920s.
Atrikpui, also known as Kalevu or “music for the brave,” was a dance associated with Ewe warriors.
During times of war, Ewe singers were said to have sang and danced about battles, life, death, courage, and conquest.
As the Ewe people transitioned to a peaceful era, it transformed into Agbadza, a more recreational dance, it said.
Agbadza is believed to have healing properties, with its name derived from two Ewe words: “Agba” (woven fabric stretcher) and “Dza” (injuries or pouring libation for healing). Some Agbadza songs reflect this healing function.
The dance with its music is typically performed during festivals like Hogbetsotso, as well as at funerals, weddings, and other traditional events.
It is usually open to everyone in the community, regardless of class, age, or religion.
Agbadza features various instruments, each with its unique role. A typical Agbadza performance consists of five main sections.
They include ‘banyinyi’, a short introductory piece performed as a prayer to the gods and ancestors.
‘Vutsortsor’, the main dance section;
‘Adzo’, a less vigorous part of the dance, which is accompanied by the master drum (Sokpo), Gankogui, and Ahatsi;
‘Hatsatsa’, the song cycle that features historical, philosophical, and reflective lyrics accompanied by the Gankogui and Atoke.
Vutsortsor, a final round of the main dance, which can last for several hours.
As Agbadza spreads beyond its origins, it has steadily become a symbol of unity and pride for Ewes.
Today, the dance is performed and appreciated by people from diverse backgrounds, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Ewe people and Africa as a whole.
@ewevibe101The history of agbadza❤️🔥#ewe#historytime#ewedance#gbadza♬ original sound – 🥁Voice Of The Ewe🥁
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
