As part of his commitment to providing employment for Creatives, Edmund Kpakpo Adotey- Duamroh, founder and leader of a 27-member dance group, Hejole dance, has recruited some youths in various communities with the passion and dream to become professional drummers and dancers.
He has teamed up with other professionals or formal colleagues to groom them into professionals and work with them to during their annual workshops, festivals performance, and other activities related to authentic drumming, dancing, folklore music, songs, storytelling, drum & dance history, among others.
“Most of the people in the group are unemployed, but we get lots of gigs that support them financially. We normally get invitations to perform at weddings, funerals, birthdays, and other social gatherings and because we are good at what we do, many recommendations come in as well.
“We also go to schools to teach interested students for events such as graduation ceremonies, speech and prize-giving day, and funfairs.
So far, the feedback for our work has been encouraging, and getting more hands to support the work is definitely a good move at this time,” he said.
Edmund stated that although members of the group have different training backgrounds, they are very committed to the group’s course.
“I am proud of the team I have because they are serious about the work and that has earned us many good tidings in the sector. However, we need support financially, so our doors are open since plans are in place to establish similar groups in other regions.
“The interesting thing about this group is that we do almost everything. We do acrobatics, sing, drum, and we have more than 15 songs to our credit”, he said.
Edmund Kpakpo appealed for support for the dance fraternity, adding, “dance groups need support from institutions and the government. We can do a lot if we get support.”
He acknowledged persons like Nii Tettey Tetteh Ghana, Clement Kpakpo Tewiah Ghana, Fredrick Kpakpo Addo(Australia), Apeletey Attiso Foofo(USA), Frank Adjei Adjetey Ghana, and all others who have been of tremendous benefit to Hejole Dance Foundation.
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Source: Kofi Duah
