The History Of The Kpanlogo Dance and Rhythm Part 1

The Kpanlogo rhythm and dance is arguably the most popular and well known dance in Ghana. It is so popular that it has given its name to one of the traditional Ghanaian drums, the Tweshi, which is now known as the Kpanlogo drum. 

Many people don’t realise that this is not a traditional rhythm and dance but one that was invented and composed by a dancer by the name of Otu Lincoln also known as Lamptey. Otu Lincoln composed this rhythm and dance in the late fifties/early sixties. He say’s he was influenced by a traditional story and composed the dance movements and rhythm while relating this story to his young children.Here is a video of Otu Lincoln relating the story behind the Kpanlogo. In subsequent posts I will be adding more details on the history of this dance and also videos of the dance performance by Otu Lincoln and his friend Frankie who helped popularise the dance.

The photo above shows my friend Nii Tettey Tetteh playing the Kpanlogo drum.