Stories and facts

Apatampa is a traditional dance performed by the Fante people of Ghana.

According to local history, the name of the dance comes from a remarkable event that happened many years ago. The story tells of a giant who terrorized and killed Fante men at night.

During one of these attacks, as the giant battled the last remaining man, a brave woman appeared and danced with such elegance that she distracted both fighters.

Her performance drew everyone’s attention and allowed the fight to end. She was praised for “separating the fight,” a phrase expressed in Fante as apata ampa, which is believed to have inspired the name “Apatampa.”

The Apatampa dance is performed with several distinctive instruments. These include a large rectangular plywood board struck with the palms to create rhythm, a sharp–sounding metal whistle known locally as aben, and a castanet called afrikyiwa.

Apatampa begins with the dancer striking both thighs twice, followed by a clap on the third beat.

The dancer then taps their chest twice to mark the fourth and fifth beats.

This sequence is performed with a cheerful expression and lively movement, keeping time with the rhythm produced by the accompanying instruments.

Explore the different Ghanaian dance forms featured below.