GOME


Dance in many cultures is performed to arouse emotions, social communication and spiritual fulfilment. 

 Traditional dancers are mostly with indigenous people, therefore, any art form emanating from the indigenes is perhaps likely to be termed as traditional. Gome is an offshoot from kpanlogo which is referred to as the dance of the youth. 

 Gome is a Ghanaian dance associated with the Ga ethnic group, who are traditionally located in the greater Accra Region of Ghana. 


THE DANCE IS ON WITH AN INTERESTING DISPLAY


It is one of the oldest musical types performed by the coastal Ga people of Ghana, which was introduced by Accra fishermen from the Fernando Po Islands in the early eighteenth century. 

 Originally, Gome was performed exclusively by fishermen after their expeditions to celebrate their catch. 

GOME DANCER PERFORMING IN THEIR STYLE


Warm-up songs prepare the voices of the participants, motivate the dancers, and set the mood for the next phase of the dance. 

Gome is a free dance which means, dancers are not controlled by signals from the drummer the lead drummer plays a series of introductory rhythms to signal the other performers to prepare for the main event.

Old dresses from the colonial times are worn out of respect for the elders who created the dance.
There is also a historical link through trade between the Gas and the Portuguese before the 16th century. During the dance, Women wear usual blouse and cloth wrapped around the body with a headgear or scarf to match. other women wear old ladies' costume. 

 The Men (Fishermen) dressed as masters or "African elites". They wear long/short pants, long-sleeve shirts with bow ties, suspenders with walking sticks or canes, and work clothes representing other artisans. 

 Men exaggerate the way our colonial master walked - stiff and upright women show support for the men through graceful movements of the arms and legs.

Gome is performed in a loose semi-circle formation the lead drummer sits in front with other members of the percussion ensemble and chorus sitting or standing behind him, facing the audience. 

 The Gome drum is a fundamental solo and ensemble drum among the Ga and Ashanti of Ghana.  Hand crafted out of solid Odum hardwood, with a solid frame, goat skin head, and floating inside frame adjusted by using a metal press. 

 The drum is played on its side, with the drummer sitting on top, using both hands and the heels of the feet. The Gome produces thick warm tones, striking slaps, and healthy bass.



DRUMMERS IN ACTION


Other occupational groups, especially artisans, also eventually adopted this music and dance as a form of entertainment. 

 Presently, Gome is performed by all categories of people– young and old, male and female, on all social occasions.




THE MUSICAL DANCE FORM FOR GOME IS ON




Post by: Rebecca Laryea



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