The moves mimic everyday life: washing clothes, ironing, driving, praying, making a phone call. Azonto, a dance from Accra, turned ordinary gestures into choreography, and in 2011 and 2012 it spread from Ghanaian parties to clubs in London, New York and beyond.
Origins
Azonto is often linked to dance styles in the Ga communities of Accra, especially around Jamestown and Bukom. Earlier dances such as apaa, which mimicked work, are cited as influences.
The moves
Dancers act out activities with their hands and bodies while moving their knees and hips to the beat. The dance is playful and open to improvisation, which made it easy to share.
The songs
Ghanaian artists released songs built around the dance. Sarkodie’s 2011 hit “U Go Kill Me”, featuring E.L, became one of the anthems of the craze, and the musician Gasmilla is often credited with helping to popularise the dance and its name. Many songs of the period used the word “azonto” in their titles.
Fuse ODG
In London, Fuse ODG released “Azonto” in 2012, introducing the dance to British audiences. The song’s success helped launch his career.
YouTube
Azonto spread through YouTube videos, with people posting dance clips from Accra, London and elsewhere. It was one of the first African dances to go viral globally.
Diaspora pride
For many young Ghanaians abroad, Azonto became a symbol of pride and identity. It was danced at weddings, parties and student events.
Nigeria
Nigerian artists also adopted Azonto, and the dance became popular across West Africa.
Decline
Like many dance crazes, Azonto faded after a few years as new dances such as alkayida and shaku shaku emerged.
Influence
Azonto showed how African dance could drive music trends and travel online. Later dances linked to Afrobeats followed a similar path.
At weddings and churches
Azonto quickly moved from clubs to family events. Brides and grooms danced it at receptions, and even some church youth groups adopted it. Its friendly, comic moves made it acceptable in places where more suggestive dances were frowned upon.
Teaching the moves
Online tutorials taught beginners the basic steps, and dance groups in Accra and London became known for their routines. Some dancers built careers from it.
Azonto took the motions of daily life in Accra and made the world dance to them. For a few years, washing clothes and driving a taxi became the coolest moves on any dance floor.
