Stories and facts

Azonto is a popular Ghanaian dance and music genre that evolved from the traditional Ga dance Kpanlogo.

Originating in coastal communities such as Chorkor, James Town, Teshie, Nungua, and Tema, the dance was once known as Apaa and used to depict everyday activities and professions.

Its playful style features a planted foot with the other pivoting, slouched shoulders, expressive hand gestures, and mimed actions like ironing, washing, driving, and swimming.

Azonto grew from simple one or two step movements into more complex routines, becoming a creative form of communication.

By 2013, it had spread widely across Ghana, Africa, and the diaspora. Scholars note that its global popularity was driven by Ghanaians abroad who embraced it as a symbol of identity.

The genre rose internationally through songs such as Guru’s Lapaz Toyota, Sarkodie’s U Go Kill Me, and Fuse ODG’s Azonto and Antenna.

Social media, especially YouTube, played a key role as young Ghanaians posted homemade dance videos that quickly went viral.

This wave of online creativity helped establish Azonto as one of Ghana’s most influential cultural movements of the early 2010s.

Explore a variety of Ghanaian traditional dances showcased below.