Over the weekend, the renowned Anomaa Cultural Group from Ghana delivered an exhilarating live performance, thrilling fans of traditional African music and dance with brand-new compositions and dance routines at a vibrant cultural event hosted in Dubai.
The atmosphere was electric as the energy and charisma of the performers spilled into the crowd, prompting several audience members to abandon their seats and join the dancers in an impromptu celebration of rhythm and movement. The event offered a powerful reminder of how traditional music can unite people across cultures.
The ensemble, known for its dynamic blend of authentic Ghanaian rhythms and cultural storytelling, featured a talented lineup of instrumentalists including: Ronald Kodua – Gome, Richard Amponsah – Djembe, Bernard Korankye – Maracas, Kevin Ntiamoah – Atumpan, Kingsley Hayford – Talking Drum, Samuel Danso – Conga and Richard Azalekor – Bongos
Complementing the rich instrumentation were the group’s charismatic female vocalists and dancers: Esther Wiafe, Mavis Asante, Olivert Afari, and Esther Aryee, who enthralled the audience with their soulful harmonies and expressive tribal dances. The performance featured a colorful medley of Ghanaian folk songs and traditional dance styles from the group’s extensive repertoire—an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.
Organized by Sankofa Tours, the event was part of a larger initiative to entertain and immerse Ghanaian tourists in new cultural landscapes while celebrating their own heritage abroad. While the primary audience comprised tourists from Ghana, the performance drew in a diverse, multicultural crowd, many of whom expressed their appreciation for the vibrant rhythms and spirited storytelling of African music.
Midway through the evening, the instrumentalists paused, giving way to a high-energy Jama session led by the singers and dancers. The crowd erupted with excitement as Mavis Asante and Esther Aryee showcased Adowa and Kpanlogo dance steps alongside enthusiastic guests, while Olivert Afari and Esther Wiafe delivered rich, melodic Jama songs that had everyone clapping and singing along.
Soon after, Ronald Kodua led the drummers back to the stage, bringing with him a renewed wave of energy that elevated the performance to new heights. The group’s cohesion and cultural pride were evident in every beat, step, and song.
For years, Anomaa Cultural Group has been at the forefront of preserving and promoting traditional Ghanaian music and dance, both locally and internationally. Their performance in Dubai is part of a broader tour that began in Ghana and is set to continue across the United States and Europe later this year.
When asked about what lies ahead, group leader Ronald Kodua shared his excitement, noting that their Dubai performance is just the beginning. “We are committed to taking Ghanaian culture to the world,” he said, “and this tour is our way of sharing the beauty and depth of our traditions with global audiences.”