Kake Dance Ensemble Champions African Drumming and Dance to Empower Youth and Preserve Ghana’s Cultural Heritage

Reported By Azaglo Michael 

‎The Kake Dance Ensemble Group has renewed calls for the revival and repositioning of African drumming and dance as powerful instruments for cultural preservation and youth empowerment in Ghana.
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‎Speaking at the just-ended Shrine Concert themed “Roots and Rhythm,” the Executive Director of Kake Dance Ensemble Group, Mr. Raphael Cobbina, outlined the organization’s mission to restore pride in African cultural expressions while creating sustainable opportunities for young people through performance arts.

Executive Director of Kake Dance Ensemble Group, Mr. Raphael Cobbina .

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‎According to Mr. Cobbina, the initiative is structured to run annually every December, using traditional drumming and dance performances to reconnect Ghanaian and Africans in the diaspora with their cultural roots. He noted that beyond cultural celebration, the program serves as a platform for structured talent development, mentorship, and youth empowerment.

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‎Mr. Cobbina expressed concern over the gradual decline in interest in traditional drumming and dance as recognized performing arts in Ghana. He emphasized that Kake Dance Ensemble is committed to reversing this trend by equipping young people with professional skills, discipline, and historical knowledge to pursue cultural dance as a viable career path rather than viewing it merely as entertainment.
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‎He further explained that December was deliberately chosen due to the influx of tourists and members of the African diaspora who visit Ghana during the festive season to experience the country’s rich cultural heritage. This period, he said, presents a strategic opportunity to showcase authentic Ghanaian traditions while educating audiences on the stories, meanings, and history behind indigenous dances and rhythms.
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‎The Executive Director appealed to individuals, institutions, and corporate organizations to support the initiative, particularly in providing financial and logistical assistance to talented youth who lack the resources to fully develop their skills. He also revealed plans to engage the Ministry of Tourism in the coming year, with the goal of expanding the program nationwide and internationally, while creating employment opportunities through structured cultural mentorship.

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‎Mr. Cobbina encouraged young people to invest in their creative talents, stressing that cultural and artistic skills can play a significant role in community development and national growth.

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‎Also speaking at the event, the Board Chairman of Kake Dance Ensemble Group, Pro. Kwami Tuprah, lamented the gradual erosion of African cultural identity due to prolonged foreign influence. He urged Ghanaians and Africans at large to reclaim and protect their heritage by becoming active custodians of their own traditions.

Board Chairman of Kake Dance Ensemble Group,Pro.Kwami Tuprah,

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‎A community member, Hon. Achrbold COBBINA, praised the organizers for their dedication to promoting Ghanaian culture on a global platform. He called for a renewed focus on indigenous cultural expressions, warning that excessive reliance on foreign influences could undermine the authenticity of Ghana’s cultural heritage.

‎A community member, Hon. Achrbold COBBINA

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‎The “Roots and Rhythm” concert stood as a powerful reminder of the role of traditional arts in preserving identity, empowering youth, and sustaining Ghana’s rich cultural legacy.