Instructor: Elsie Nsoh

Country: Togo

Tribes: Ewe and Akposso Tribes

Introduction:

The Ewe Tribe is the most known tribe in Togo, though it is not the largest. It may sound familiar to you because there is Ewe tribe in Ghana as well. It is the same, just a different accent.

The Akposso Tribe in Central Togo, where the instructor is from. What differentiates Akposso from many tribe, especially Ewe, in music is the use of saxophone/trumpet in all song.

Rhythms and Music

Students will learn the dance “Agbaja” from the Ewe Tribe, which is in Southern Togo. This rhythm is the most popular outside of the country of Togo because of its shared roots with Ghana.

Students will also learn the dance Akpesse from the Akposso tribe in Togo.

Costumes and Attire

Traditional Togolese attire for these dances consist of wrapping Lapa (Togolese cloth) over the chest, covering up to above the knee. You can tie another thinner Lapa around the waist to accentuate the curves. Another option is to tie one Lapa around the chest and then another one around the waist, leaving a little bit of exposure around the stomach. You also wear beads around the neck and sometimes around the waist.

Showcase Dance Performance

Students will learn a dance from a mixture of tribes in Togo, focusing on Agbaja from the Ewe Tribe and Akpesse from the Apkosso tribe. The songs are traditional drum gathering, usually celebrating a special occasion such as wedding, birthday, thanksgiving or funeral. Through this performance, students will explore themes of acceptance, community, and gratitude, gaining a deeper appreciation for the different traditions and cultural heritage of Togo.