The inaugural Sukuma festival in Greater Accra reverberated with cultural vibrancy as the Ashalaja Cultural Troop took centre stage, delivering a spellbinding performance that became the rhythmic heartbeat of the event.
The troop, composed entirely of performers under 13 years old, swayed and leaped to the pulsating beats of the popular Bissa war song “kabriyo,” etching unforgettable moments in the maiden celebration.
The young dancers’ fluid movements and rhythmic footwork captivated the audience, powerfully demonstrating how the new generation is infusing vitality into Bissa traditions while showcasing their deep cultural immersion.
Spectators were visibly enthralled by the children’s dedication and prowess, expressing awe at their ability to execute complex traditional choreography with precision and grace.
Held on Saturday at the Alajo Astroturf, the festival saw these young cultural ambassadors bridge the generational gap with their mastery of intricate Bissa dances.
Alongside the invited Obuase dancing troop, the cultural troops delivered a mesmerizing spectacle that particularly enhanced the outdooring ceremony of Kir Salisu Dabre IV, transforming it into a symphony of movement and color.
Adding to the melodic mosaic of the celebration, musician Queenzy Baby electrified the audience with contemporary Bissa music. Her performance provided a modern counterpoint to the traditional dances, showcasing the dynamic evolution of Bissa cultural expression. The fusion of ancestral rhythms with contemporary beats created a sonic landscape that resonated across the venue.
The Sukuma festival, introduced in 2022, is a recent addition to the Bissa cultural calendar, complementing the long-standing Zekula festival held annually on Easter Day in Kulungungu, the ancestral capital of the Bissa people in Ghana’s Upper East region.
It offers flexibility for localized celebrations across various Bissa diaspora communities. progress.