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The Cultural Performance Company, Ga Gbeke Bii "Children of Ghana, was formed in December of 2000 in the coastal
city of Accra by Mr. Kpani Addy, Master Musician from the renowned Addy family of Accra. They are recognized by the Centre
for National Culture’s Greater Accra Regional Dance Association of Ghana. The words Ga Gbeke Bii translated to
English mean the “Children of Ghana”.
The Cultural Performance Company is comprised
of fifty teenagers and pre-teens from the ghetto of Accra Central. Professional musicians, dancers, and acrobats
direct, train and perform with the youth. Their performances include acrobatics and dramatic presentations of cultural
events as well as traditional ceremonial music and dance. The troupe performs as an entire company or in smaller units depending
on the preference of the venue.
Ga Gbeke Bii “Children of Ghana” emanate the Ghanaian
values of deep respect, dedication and enthusiasm. Their dedication to the authentic traditional music and performing
arts of Ghana has manifested it’s self in powerful and exciting presentations. In the first year of existence the
troupe earned notoriety throughout the capital city of Accra and the surrounding area. Traditional medicine people having
witnessed their performances have offered support by further training them in many of the ancient dances, songs and ceremonies.
This Traditional Drum and Dance Troupe is sure to inspire and please audiences throughout
the United States, Africa, Asia and Europe. They perform for festivals, schools and universities as well as at Performing
Arts Centers. The brilliant joyful music, dance, and costuming of Ga Gbeke Bii elevate the audiences awareness of the beauty
and value of diversity in our world.
The troupe is comprised
of youth from the getto of Accra Central and range from age 7 to 24 years old. The youth train and perform
with master drummers, dancers and acrobats who have donnated their time to teaching them the ancient musical arts of Ghana.
A tutor provides the group with daily lessons in basic reading, writing and math. Long hours of rehearsal six days a week
have paid off in the creation of an outstanding troupe who possess something quite remarkable and positive to share with the
world. The troupe's powerful and joyful performances are both entertaining and motivating. They have gained considerable
recognition throughout Greater Accra region having performed for Ghanaian President John Agyekum Kufuor and at numerous cultural
events in and around the capital. The troupe also sponsor and perform for HIV /Aids Awareness Dance and Music Competitions
that Mr. Addy organizes.
They perform both ritual and social traditional music
using a variety of percussion instruments and solid harmonies. They also perform Traditional High Life music called Osibisaba.
This highly danceable, lively music was first developed in West Africa and is also known as World Beat.
Mr. Addy and his staff are talented
and accomplished teachers. They provide drum and dance workshops and institutes for both children and adults of all
ages and abilities.
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