Event Name: “ OMPE MMRE”
Date: March 26,2025
Time: 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Venue: Divine Hall, 3115 Golansky BLVD, Woodbridge, VA 22192
Description:
“Ompe Mmre” is a traditional Ghanaian dance rooted in the Akan culture, primarily performed
during festivals, communal gatherings, and celebratory events. The name “Ompe Mmre,” meaning
“It does not like laziness” in Akan, reflects the energetic and dynamic nature of the dance.
Key Features of Ompe Mmre:
1. Purpose and Theme:
The dance celebrates hard work, resilience, and communal unity. It is often used to motivate
individuals to remain diligent and hardworking while emphasizing the benefits of collective effort.
2. Energetic Movements:
The dance features vibrant, fast-paced, and rhythmic movements. Dancers use their whole bodies,
with quick footwork, jumps, and arm gestures that convey strength and vitality. The movements
often mimic agricultural activities such as planting and harvesting, symbolizing labor and
productivity.
3. Accompanied by Drumming:
Ompe Mmre is accompanied by traditional Akan drums, such as the atumpan and fontomfrom,
which set the tempo. The drummers interact closely with the dancers, adjusting the rhythms to
match their movements and energy.
4. Traditional Costumes:
Performers wear traditional Akan attire, such as kente cloth or simple wrappers, often
accompanied by accessories like beads and headgear. The costumes are colorful and reflect the
celebratory mood of the dance.5. Song and Chant:
The dance is often accompanied by communal songs or chants that praise hard work and
encourage participants to persevere in the face of challenges. The lyrics are uplifting and inspire
collective participation.
6. Communal Spirit:
Ompe Mmre is not performed in isolation. It involves the community, with people forming a circle
around the dancers, clapping, singing, and cheering them on. This fosters a strong sense of unity
and shared purpose.
7. Cultural Significance:
The dance underscores the values of discipline, industriousness, and teamwork, making it an
essential part of traditional ceremonies that celebrate achievements or encourage moral conduct.
Ompe Mmre remains an emblematic representation of the Akan people’s cultural heritage,
celebrating their values and connecting the present generation with their ancestors’ teachings.