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Drumming
An
important part of the Ewe culture is the dance-drumming. It
involves the entire community and everyone participates. If
one chooses not to participate it can either result in
excommunication, or worse, the denial of a proper burial.
There are several degrees of levels and participation
depending on the individuals place in the Anlo-Ewe hierarchy.
The top of the hierarchy consists of the Ewe elders (chiefs
and leaders). Their main duty is to organize and order the
performances. The next individual in the hierarchy is the
composer of the dance-drumming. He creates the style of the
ritual. Next is the lead drummer and he will assist in guiding
the dance-drumming. Then in the hierarchy comes the ring
leader, supporting song leaders, and those who make sure the
community attends the dance-drumming. Finally the supporting
drummers, the singers and dancers. One very popular form of
the dance-drumming is the Atsia, which was created by the Ewe
in Ghana. The Atsia is a social dance, and one of the oldest
styles of music and dancing. The word Atsia means style or
to display. Some of the popular drums found among the Ewe
are the Sogo, the Kidi, the Kagan, the Boba, and the Kroboto
and totodzi.
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