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Baobab Tree |
Dagbamete (dag-bam-eh-teh)is a 2 hour drive east of Accra (the capital of Ghana) on a highway that passes through many small towns and crosses the famous Volta River. The village itself is home to about 300 people, many from the two prominent families of Dunyo and Davor. Many people in Dagbamete are farmers, although some work in the market and at jobs in the nearby town of Akatsi. Much of the life in Dagbamete is traditional, but that is changing quickly, as in other parts of the world. However, the friendliness of the people and vibrancy of the culture are sure to never change. Dagbamete has its own elementary school (which has a twinning program with Chelsea Elementary School) as well as a new health clinic for which both Baobab and Akpokli have raised funds. This health clinic is special in that it combines traditional medicine and herbal healing with western medicine. Kwasi Dunyo's senior brother, Hunua Yao Dunyo, is a respected traditional healer and he is the head of the Apetorku Shrine in Dagbamete, a place where many people come from surrounding villages to be healed and to solve minor disputes. Much drumming and dancing goes on in the shrine. The main language spoken is Ewe (eh-way) as well as other Ghanaian languages such as Twi. Children learn to speak English from about age 8 in school, so many people in the village will converse with you in English. The vegetation is savannah-like, with grasses and soft sand. Stands of Bamboo trees make nice shade for an afternoon nap on a grass mat. Houses are made of cement blocks with corrugated tin-rooves as well as the more traditional mud-brick with thatch roof. Many of them are painted bright blues and pinks. Weather is hot and humid as Dagbamete is close to the ocean. Kwasi is a Master Drummer and teacher who delights and inspires all who work with him. Currently based in Toronto, where he teaches at the University of Toronto and directs the Kekeli Drum and Dance Ensemble, Kwasi also travels widely throughout North America giving workshops and performances in his traditional culture. WACE CENTRE and KATHY ARMSTRONG LODGE Kwasi Dunyo is the founder of the West African Cultural Exchange (WACE). The WACE centre is situated in the Ewe village of Dagbamete, Ghana, Kwasi's African home. The centre was opened officially in the summer of 2001, during a visit by the Baobab Youth Performers. Since then it has served as home away from home for many visitors to the village. The centre's main building is named for Kathy Armstrong, Baobab Tree's founder. Kathy Armstrong Lodge has 12 double rooms for sleeping, a sitting room, dining hall and restful porch. The village has recently acquired running water and electricity, making flush toilets and evening light a reality. Into the Sound of the Drum tours:
For info please contact:
phone: (416) 698-9161
Visitors to Dagbamete and others have generously donated money and efforts to support educational projects in the village. For information and photos on these projects and to find out how you can become a donor Click here to visit the website of the The Adzena Fund Canada. 
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