As anticipation builds for the second edition of the Ghana Dance Industry Awards on February 8, 2025, the organizers have officially unveiled the prestigious winners’ plaque.
The GHADI Award Plaque: A Fusion of Art and Tradition
The GHADI Award plaque is a stunning artistic creation that blends multiple concepts, each element infused with deep cultural significance. From its color scheme to the figurine and engraved symbols, the plaque embodies the essence of Ghanaian pride and excellence.
Color Scheme
The black and gold theme represents strength, authority, and wealth. This timeless combination exudes luxury, sophistication, and glamour, setting the tone for an award that symbolizes prestige and achievement.
The Figurine
At the heart of the plaque is a figurine incorporating two key elements:
- The Iconic Azonto Pose – Symbolizing victory and the joy of dance, the pose represents Ghana’s modern dance heritage. Azonto, born in Ghana, transcends tribal boundaries and has made a lasting impact on the global dance scene.
- The Djembe Drum – This traditional drum, central to African music and dance, emphasizes the communal spirit of dance. The word “djembe,” derived from the Bambara language of Mali, means “everyone gather together in peace”, reinforcing the idea of unity and harmony in performance.
The GHADI Plaque: A Harmonious Blend of Tradition and Modernity
By placing the azonto dancer atop the djembe drum, the plaque visually represents the evolution of dance, acknowledging the foundations of traditional dance as a stepping stone for contemporary styles.
Engraved Symbols
Ten carefully selected Adinkra symbols are engraved on the djembe drum, five on each side, each representing values that contribute to success and stardom:
- Dwennimmen – Humility & Strength
- Gye Nyame – Supremacy of God
- Denkyem – Adaptability
- Fawohodie – Freedom & Emancipation
- Osram ne Nsoromma – Faithfulness & Harmony
- Dame Dame – Intelligence & Strategy
- Odo Nnyew/Nyera Fie Kwan – Power of Love
- Sesa wo suban – Transformation
- Funtunfunefu – Denkyemfunefu – Unity in Diversity
- Ahoden – Energy
The Star of Stardom
At the heart of the dancer, a star symbol represents the belief that true stardom originates from within. Every individual possesses innate brilliance, but it is through embracing essential values—symbolized by the Adinkra engravings—that one’s inner light truly shines.
Vision Behind the Plaque
Robert Klah, founder of the Ghana Dance Industry Awards and the plaque’s concept developer, shared his inspiration:
“For an awards plaque, I wanted something deeply Ghanaian, rich in meaning. I’m thrilled with the craftsmanship by Sweet Aroma Print. Dancers embody art and culture, and the plaque had to reflect that essence. I hope winners will cherish this award as a reminder of the values and principles it represents.”
Event Details
The Ghana Dance Industry Awards will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the National Theatre of Ghana, with Jay Foley and Chrystal Kwame Aryee as the official MCs.
- Gates Open: 6:30 PM
- Red Carpet: 7:00 PM
- Main Ceremony: 8:30 PM
The event is organized in collaboration with the Dancers & DanceSport Association of Ghana and powered by Dancetera.
With its deep cultural symbolism and artistic brilliance, the GHADI Award plaque stands as a testament to Ghana’s vibrant dance industry, celebrating both its rich traditions and its bright future.