Azonto: What’s It All About?

Posted by thelegonstar on April 22, 2012 · 3 Comments 

Ghana has seen many traditional dances like the Adowa, Kpanlogo, and Kete, which are primarily performed as ceremonial dances. Quite the opposite, a few contemporary and popular dances like the Chicken, Kangaroo, and Harlem Shake have also graced Ghana’s stages. Unlike the traditional dances whose motives are to tell a story or express some idea or emotion, most popular dances in Ghana are performed for fun as social interactions, especially among the youth. However, one particular popular dance which seems to have defied the odds of modern dance in Ghana is the Azonto.

Towards the end of 2011, Ghana’s entertainment industry was hit by the Azonto dance, a phenomenon which literally means “an ugly thing.” Quite unlike the literal meaning, the Azonto dance is rather a delight to watch especially when performed by experienced Azonto dancers.

The dance involves movements of the feet, knees, hands and hips in rhythmic fashion which can actually be coordinated in a style to communicate a message. The dance embodies a variety of gestures like boxing, driving, eating, washing and several amusing moves. Among the youth, the dance, which can be performed by anyone regardless of gender, frequently features sexually suggestive motions. Currently, the dance is continuously evolving with complex dance styles and movements.

The true origin of the Azonto is a debated one. It seems impossible to accurately identify which individual or group originated the dance. The Ghanaian entertainment industry has been buzzing with this issue, as popular and humorous Ghanaian boxer Bukom Banku, hiplife artist Gasmilla, and the “Tema Boys” all claim the dance originated from the towns in which they live and hence represent.

Features of the Kpanlogo dance, the traditional dance of the Ga’s, can be seen in the Azonto. The same goes for the Gawu dance, an adopted dance of the Ewe but originally from Togo. Notwithstanding the claims about the origin of the Azonto, the dance undoubtedly became popular with Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie’s hit song “You Go Kill Me,” who is himself a “Tema Boy.” The debate on the true origin of the Azonto is far from over as various senior high school students in Ghana also claim to have started the dance before it became popular.

Ghana’s art culture has long been overwhelmed by foreign influences, making it almost impossible to distinguish what is 100% Ghanaian. Azonto has greatly impacted Ghana’s dance culture in that it has become more of a national dance. Though the dance movements may be without significance in themselves, the dance primarily embodies sociability and socializing.

Azonto signifies unity in dance even as it is often performed in churches where it has been nicknamed “Chriszonto,” meaning “Christ’s Azonto.” This phenomenon dramatically shows the impact that the Azonto has had on Ghana’s culture. It truly is a feat for a country that is highly religious to have embraced a dance like Azonto, which emerged from secular circles into the celebrations of the church.

There are countless dance forms that identify the numerous ethnic groups and cultural differences in styles of the Ghanaian people. However, Azonto identifies Ghana’s entertainment and as such the nation of Ghana. The latest dance craze has become so popular that it now dictates the rhythm of hiplife music.

With traditional dance facing serious threats of decline especially among the youth, Azonto represents a combination of modern and traditional elements. Azonto epitomizes Ghana’s ingenuity and originality through the spirit of dance.

Words by Lynda Dadzie

Filed under Culture, Music