On a bustling Saturday morning in Accra, the Manklalo Cultural Group prepared for not one, but two major performances in a single day—one at the Arts Center and the other at the Labadi Beach Hotel. This remarkable feat was made possible by a bold decision: the group split into two teams, ensuring both venues received the same high-energy, culturally rich performance for which they are renowned.
The group’s membership had recently expanded following a recruitment drive, bringing in new dancers, singers, and instrumentalists, growing the troupe to about twenty members. This larger roster allowed them to field two full squads simultaneously without compromising sound or stage presence.
The first performance at the Arts Center kicked off the city festival celebrating Ghanaian heritage. Team A arrived in traditional attire—colorful kente cloth, adinkra-printed wraps, beads, and bells. The dancers performed lively Kpanlogo, graceful Adowa, and rhythmic Agbadza dances, while the instrumentalists brought traditional melodies to life and the singers lifted their voices in harmony. The audience responded with excitement, fully engaged in the celebration.
Meanwhile, Team B staged an equally impressive performance at the Labadi Beach Hotel, blending folk traditions with highlife music. With no downtime for rest, they appeared on stage just hours later, dressed similarly and delivering a performance of the same repertoire—dance segments from Kple, Bamaya, and Kpanlogo, interwoven with soulful singing and dynamic drumming.
By dividing into two teams, the Manklalo Cultural Group showcased not only logistical skill but also deep dedication to their mission: preserving Ghanaian cultural dance and music traditions and presenting them in vibrant live performances. The addition of new members proved invaluable, providing the depth and flexibility to execute two parallel performances seamlessly.
At both events, the message was clear: culture, heritage, and tradition, when celebrated together, uplift the spirit and soul of the community.