Atsokla

Atsokla is one of the movements of Adzogbo music and dance ceremony. Adzogbo originated from Benin as a dzohu (spiritual/religious music and dance). It was then called adzohu, in that during any performance, the men participants/dancers (leshiwo) would display their dzoka (juju/charms) especially the so-called “love charms” to seduce women. When this music was brought to Togo and later Ghana in the late 19th century, its function changed. The southeastern Ewe of Ghana, Togo and Benin now perform it for entertainment during festivals and other social occasions. There are five stages of Adzogbo dance ceremony: Gbefadede (announcement), Adzokpadede (warm up), Tsifofodi (purification rites), atsokla/kadodo (dance for the women) and atsia (main theatrical display of drama, dance and virtuosity of dance skills by men). This presentation features only atsokla, a “show off” dance for women. Mirrors and other props are used to tease, show or bluff during the performance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTIK0qspmwY

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *