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Assignment 2

Gota is a traditional music and dance form originated by the Kabre tribe of Benin that was introduced to the Ewe people of southeastern Ghana in the early 19th century through trade. It involves the integration of singing, drumming, and dancing and is performed by youth as a duet between opposite sex partners using flexible torso and pelvic movements. The master drummer controls the ensemble and uses stop-start elements to cue the dancers and structure the performance. Instruments include light drums and gourds as well as the agbadza set of drums. Gota is an important part of the cultural identity of the people and is used to build confidence and break down shyness among youth performers.

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231 views2 pages

Assignment 2

Gota is a traditional music and dance form originated by the Kabre tribe of Benin that was introduced to the Ewe people of southeastern Ghana in the early 19th century through trade. It involves the integration of singing, drumming, and dancing and is performed by youth as a duet between opposite sex partners using flexible torso and pelvic movements. The master drummer controls the ensemble and uses stop-start elements to cue the dancers and structure the performance. Instruments include light drums and gourds as well as the agbadza set of drums. Gota is an important part of the cultural identity of the people and is used to build confidence and break down shyness among youth performers.

Uploaded by

Aikins Samuel
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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ESTHER AMPONSAH ONUSU

11288281
Traditional music is generally the kind of music that is created in a common manner, it
has continued from the time of its production right down to the present day and it is
popular and frequently played and recited in it region by Local people.
GOTA TRADITIONAL MUSIC
Gota was introduced to the Southeastern Ewe in the early nineteenth century through
trade Gota was originated from the kabre tribe of Benin. Gota use to be performed in
Benin for their war god. The Kabre performed in Gota is mainly performed by the youth.
During social gatherings It’s a duet for the opposite sex and the dancers use the non
verbal Language of dancing through flexible torso and pelvic movement. This movement
flow is interjected with a sharp silence freeze. This pause is unique in its own right
because that total silence is part of the Gota music and dance. It’s main purpose is to
bring the youths out of their shells It involves the artistic integration of 3 main art forms
(singing, drumming and dancing). The basic rhythm of each instrument contribute to
the power of the overall rhythm. With Gota, the basic rhythm of each instrument is
carefully crafted to contribute to the power of the overall rhythm. As the parts repeat
the players reach their aesthetic goal. A harmonious whole with goal! subtle soothing
undercurrents that uplift the mind and soul. The performance of Gota is a collaborative
activity involving music and dance. Music dict every move of the dance although there is
room for creativity. The master drummer is the controller of the whole ensemble, he
also provides the starting cue, transitional cue, main text and stopping cue. The stop-
start element in Gota is controlled by the master drummer. The main instruments used
to play in Gota is the light gourd or kettle drum produces by the sesame or calabash tree
Gota also uses the agbadza set of drums - Kagan, kidi sogo, atimewu gankogui, axatse
and akpe (wooden clappers) Sogo or atimewu becomes the master drum depending on
the economic status of the musical group. Gankogui is the time keeper. Axatse blends
the sounds. Gota drum Language has an introductory text which starts the whole music.
Gota has a clue that says get ready, get ready, which prompts the dancers to face their
partner and be ready to exhibit the main Gota movement. Gota has the main Gota drum
text and a climax text. Gota is not only music and dance, also it is an identity of the
people. Gota gives confidence to its performers and also breaks the barrier of shyness.
Gota aesthetic values dwell in communication of feelings. Gota is stop-start form of
performance and is strictly performed by the youth.
Gota song
Ago mayi afe gotaviwo mayi Loo Mina miayi afe gotaviwo miayi afe Adu göta
Dove
Translation
Allow me to go home Gota members
Let us go home Gota members we will go. Can you challenge me in the
performance of Gota.

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