Ghana Pavilion: A Journey of Dance, Story, and Flavour at Folklorama

By: Donovan Martin Sr. – Editor in Chief

Ghana’s Pavilion at Folklorama never fails to leave a lasting impression. Now in its second year, it picked up right where last year left off—bursting with life, hospitality, and an irresistible pull that draws people in from across the festival.

From the first step inside, you’re welcomed not only by the vibrant sights and sounds of Ghana but by the pavilion’s knowledgeable ambassadors. Friendly, approachable, and deeply rooted in their heritage, they guide you through each corner of the experience. Whether explaining the symbolism behind a kente cloth pattern or offering insight into Ghana’s traditions, these ambassadors ensure every guest leaves not just entertained, but enlightened.

The storytelling theme of the evening centers around the legendary Anansi—the clever trickster spider whose tales have been shared for centuries across West Africa and the Caribbean. Anansi’s stories are full of wit, wisdom, and lessons on using intelligence over brute strength, making them a cultural thread that connects generations. Hearing his story unfold while surrounded by the colors and textures of Ghana adds a richness that no textbook could match.

One of the pavilion’s visual gems is a striking mural, painted by one of the young volunteers in the cultural display. Layered with vibrant hues and symbolic imagery, it captures the spirit of Ghana—a land of resilience, creativity, and joy. This personal touch from a new generation of cultural keepers adds a beautiful sense of continuity, showing how tradition and innovation can stand side by side.

Then the drums begin. The steady, powerful rhythms of Coffieman—a beloved figure in Winnipeg’s African community—fill the room. His drumming is more than music; it’s a call to connect, a heartbeat that quickens your pulse and seems to sync with your own. Each beat draws you deeper into the performance, until the lines between audience and performer blur.

Dancers in flowing, brilliantly patterned attire sweep across the stage, their movements telling stories as old as the land itself. The precision, the energy, the way they embody the music—it all transports you right into the heart of Ghana. The crowd responds with smiles, clapping along, some even moving in their seats to the irresistible rhythm.

And then, of course, there’s the food. Aromas of jollof rice, grilled meats, fried plantains, and rich stews drift through the air, offering their own kind of welcome. Every bite is a taste of home, even for those visiting Ghana for the first time.

It’s easy to see why this pavilion draws in ambassadors from other pavilions—curious to witness what all the buzz is about. Ghana’s Pavilion offers more than just a show; it offers an embrace. By the end of the night, you don’t just feel like you’ve visited a country—you feel like you’ve been invited into a family.

Another superb show, another unforgettable journey. Ghana has done it again.