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Top 10 Celebrities Embracing Ewe Roots

The Ewe people are an ethnic group inhabiting parts of southern Ghana, southwestern Togo, and southeastern Benin. They are known for their rich cultural heritage, vibrant traditions, and notable contributions to various fields. Here are 10 popular celebrities and notable people from the Ewe ethnicity:

  • Jerry John Rawlings (1947-2020): A Ghanaian military leader and politician who served as the first President of the Fourth Republic of Ghana from 1993 to 2001.
  • Nana Akufo-Addo (1944-Present): A Ghanaian politician and lawyer who is the current President of Ghana. He previously served as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister of Justice.
  • Yaovi Agboyibo (1935-2020): A Togolese politician and lawyer who served as Prime Minister of Togo from 2006 to 2007. He was also the leader of the opposition Action Committee for Renewal (CAR).
  • Emmanuel Adebayor (1984-Present): A Togolese footballer who played as a striker for several clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester City, and Real Madrid. He is the all-time leading goalscorer for the Togo national football team.
  • Selorm Branttie (1988-Present): A Ghanaian-German footballer who plays as a midfielder for Arminia Bielefeld in the 2. Bundesliga. He has also represented the Ghana national football team.
  • Patience Nyarko (1986-Present): A Ghanaian gospel musician and songwriter. She is known for hits such as “Obi Nyanime,” “Me Nuro,” and “Wafom Kwan.”
  • King Promise (1995-Present): A Ghanaian highlife and afrobeats singer and songwriter. He is known for songs such as “Oh Yeah,” “Tokyo,” and “CCTV.”
  • MzVee (1992-Present): A Ghanaian singer and songwriter known for her unique blend of afrobeats, dancehall, and R&B. She has released several hit singles, including “Natural Girl,” “Borkor Borkor,” and “Daavi.”
  • John Dumelo (1984-Present): A Ghanaian actor, politician, and farmer. He has starred in numerous films and television series, including “Adams Apples,” “A Perfect Picture,” and “Before Noon.”
  • Juliet Ibrahim (1986-Present): A Ghanaian-Liberian actress, film producer, and brand influencer. She has starred in several popular films, including “4Play,” “The Valet,” and “10 Days in Sun City.”
Agbadza is an Ewe music and dance that evolved from the times of war into a very popular recreational dance.  It came from a very old war dance called Atrikpui and usually performed by the Ewe people of the Volta Region of Ghana, particularly during the Hogbetsotso Festival, a celebration by the Anlo Ewe people. In addition, it is also performed by Togolese and Beninese of Ewe descent. The dance has five movements in performing it, 1. Banyinyi which is a short introductory in prayer to the gods and ancestors, 2. Vutsortsor which is the main dance, 3. Adzo- which is less energetic and only the master is made to drum along with Gankogui and Axatse, 4. Hatsatsa- historical songs are performed along with Gankogui and Atoke, 5. Vutsortsor- finally, another round of the main dance which usually last for a number of hours. Gankogui is an instrument in a form of a bell where a stick is used to play.  Atoke is also an iron banana shaped bell and played with a small forged iron rod. The Atoke can be used in place of the Gankogui they are both used for the same purpose.
The dance is usually played at funerals, weddings, and parties. Essentially, it is played at any occasion that called for an Ewe identity emblem, since this music is known by other ethnic groups to be uniquely Ewe. Everyone is welcome to join in the dance, unlike other Ewe dances, which sometimes are reserved for people of a certain age, religion, or gender.  The dance is sometimes known as the “chicken dance” due to the bird-like motions required for the dance.

Ewe Mystique: Unraveling Three Key Historical Legacies

The Ewe are a cultural and ethnic group that can be found in various West African countries, including Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria. With a rich and ancient history, the Ewe people have made significant contributions to the cultural tapestry of the region. Here are three of the most well-known historical inheritances associated with the Ewe heritage:

1. Voodoo

The practice of voodoo is deeply rooted in the Ewe society and has a long history among the Ewe people. Voodoo, also known as Vodun or Vudun, is a syncretic religion that combines elements of traditional Ewe beliefs with those brought by African slaves during the transatlantic slave trade. It is believed that voodoo originated in West Africa and spread throughout the African diaspora. Today, voodoo is practiced by millions of people worldwide, with its own unique rituals, ceremonies, and practices.

2. Ewe Language and Oral Tradition

The Ewe language belongs to the Niger-Congo language family and is spoken by millions of people in West Africa. It is known for its complex grammatical structure and tonality, giving it a unique melodic quality. The Ewe people place a great emphasis on their oral tradition, passing down stories, myths, and historical accounts through generations. This rich oral tradition serves as a vital link to their past and cultural identity.

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3. Agbogbloshie: The Ewe Market of Togo

Located in the capital city of Togo, Lomé, Agbogbloshie is a famous marketplace that is considered a cultural heritage site. It is one of the largest and busiest markets in West Africa and has been a hub of trade and commerce for centuries. The market is known for its vibrant atmosphere, colorful displays, and a wide variety of goods, including textiles, food, and traditional handicrafts. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing the rich Ewe culture.

  • Voodoo, also known as Vodun or Vudun, is a syncretic religion practiced by the Ewe people.
  • The Ewe language has a unique grammatical structure and tonality.
  • Agbogbloshie, located in Lomé, Togo, is a famous marketplace and cultural heritage site.

In a striking celebration of diversity, numerous prominent individuals proudly reflect a mosaic of Mole Dagbani, Kist and Ossetian roots, highlighting the intricate interplay of cultures within their heritage. From accomplished leaders to acclaimed artists, these figures embody the rich lexical semantic tapestry of ethnic backgrounds, illustrating the vibrant spectrum of human experiences.

Ethnic Factsheet: The Ewe People

Country Population Percentage
Togo 3,039,000 32.4%
Ghana 3,228,000 12.7%
Benin 2,464,000 10.6%
Nigeria 2,119,000 4.9%
USA 123,000 0.04%
The Ewe people (; Ewe: Eʋeawó, lit. "Ewe people"; or Mono Kple Volta Tɔ́sisiwo Dome, lit. "Between the Rivers Mono and Volta"; Eʋenyígbá Eweland;) are a Gbe-speaking ethnic group. The largest population of Ewe people is in Ghana (6.0 million), and the second largest population is in Togo (3.1 million). They speak the Ewe language (Ewe: Eʋegbe) which belongs to the Gbe family of languages. They are related to other speakers of Gbe languages such as the Fon, Gen, Phla Phera, Gun, Maxi, and the Aja people of Togo, Benin and southwestern Nigeria.

References to the Ewe Ethnic Group

The Ewe ethnic group is primarily found in the Volta Region of Ghana, Togo, Benin, and southwestern Nigeria. They are known for their rich cultural heritage, vibrant music and dance traditions, and skilled craftsmen. If you are interested in learning more about the Ewe people, here are some references and resources to dig deeper:

These resources will give you a deeper understanding of the Ewe ethnic group’s history, customs, and cultural practices. Whether you are researching for academic purposes or simply want to learn more about this fascinating African community, these references will be valuable sources of information.

That concludes the information we can provide about famous Ewe individuals. Thank you for reading.

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